Unprecedented flooding due to Metro debris irks commuters, traders
The desperate bid by a youth to avoid soiling his shoes in the pool of water caused by water-logging at MG Road as rain lashed Kochi on Sunday.
(Photo: Sunoj Ninan Mathew)
Kochi: Following heavy water-logging at MG Road, Kochi mayor Tony Chammany served a notice on Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) asking for immediate measures to repair the drains that were damaged due to Metro work so that flooding could be prevented. As monsoon intensified from Friday, many parts of MG Road witnessed unprecedented flooding causing problems for traders and commuters.
The mayor asked the DMRC project director to instruct civil contractors to rectify the damage caused to drains and to avoid clogging or damaging drains in future. If the Metro contractors failed to comply with ins-tructions, the civic body would be forced to fine them, Mr Chammany said.
Traders of MG Road submitted a complaint to the mayor alleging that drains near Seematti at the northern end of MG Road had been filled to construct Metro pillars resulting in unusual flooding in the area. The mayor served a notice on the DMRC following the demand by traders that immediate steps be taken.
Meanwhile, sources at DMRC said that unscientific drain construction in the city was the main cause of water logging. “During high tide, water will not flow to the backwaters through the channels. The drains have not been deliberately damaged by the contractors,” sources said.
Damaging and clogging drains by Metro workers has been a regular problem since large stretches of city drains run parallel to the Metro corridor. In some areas, the drains were filled using concrete for permitting traffic. This has blocked the channels through which floodwater is drained from city roads.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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