Nagpur: A temporary blockade constructed by the state Public Works Department (PWD) on a tributary of the Nag river, starting from Telangkhedi lake, close to the RTO has become the latest source of distress for residents in the area. The blockade, meant to divert water for the reconstruction of an ageing bridge, has inadvertently turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, citizens claimed.
Locals raised concerns over the stagnation of water in the nullah due to the blockade which has heightened fears of vector-borne diseases. Adding to the problem, the tributary has become a dumping ground for waste, particularly from vendors operating in the vicinity of the RTO, further aggravating hygiene and environmental issues.
Speaking to TOI, locals claimed that there was an increase in mosquitoes in their areas over the last couple of months compared to last year. “There are 288 flats in our colony, and around 800 people live here, which is adjacent to the RTO. The nullah used to have water round the year, but the PWD blocked the nullah for the reconstruction of the bridge. The water has now stagnated, and larvae are breeding in it,” said a local, on the condition of anonymity, adding that the mosquito menace has increased manifold this year.
Another local claimed that the nullah has turned into a garbage dumping spot. “Thousands of plastic water bottles are floating around in the nullah. The vendors near the RTO regularly throw garbage into the nullah, which creates health problems for the locals. The stench at the spot is so bad that one can’t stand near the nullah even for a few seconds,” said the resident.
A PWD official said that they did not stop the water flow but diverted it as they have to reconstruct the bridge. “We cannot carry out the work if water is flowing. The work is likely to be completed by May-end,” said the official.
The locals claimed that the nullah was cleaned last year, but the status is back to square one now. “We have not seen any Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) official visiting the spot after the nullah was blocked and garbage dumped into it,” said a local, adding that the NMC must ensure that the nullah is cleaned up and no garbage is henceforth thrown into it, while the PWD must remove the blockade at the earliest and allow the water to flow.
NMC Dharampeth zone’s assistant commissioner, Snehlata Kumbhar, who recently joined the post, said that she will direct officials to inspect the spot. “I am not aware if the PWD took prior permission for the work in the nullah, but I will look into it,” she said. MSID:: 120067430 413 |
