DNA

• Unclean drains and nullah running along private properties trouble residents

Mumbai, May 25: Memories of 26/7 have resurfaced for residents of Sunder Nagar and Manipada at Kalina. With the possibility of flooding looming large, some residents of the area, that remained submerged for many hours after July 26, 2005 deluge and also invited flooding last year, have decided to move to a safer haven.

The residents’ fear emanates from the unclean Sunder Nagar nullah, the major storm water drain that carries water to Mithi river. Advocate Ramesh Butala, a resident of Red Rose Apartment, said, “With days left for the rains, most gutters and nullahs in the area are blocked with debris and garbage. BMC is yet to clean them.” Butala’s ground floor house went under water on 26/7. “When it flooded again last year, we decided to shift to a place at Vakola for three months. We will be doing the same this year,” he added.

The region with a population of 1 lakh finds itself 6-7 feet below the road level. Shockingly enough, BMC authorities appear to have learnt precious little from the heavy loss of livestock and property in the region two years ago. It is yet to remove/ take action on private structures, including multi-storied buildings, which have encroached upon the nullah, reducing its width.  “The portions of the drains running inside the private property are never cleansed. This causes flooding in the area,” Butala added. This reporter visited the area on Thursday and was surprised to note the wide scale abuse of the nullah.