Clogged sewers are a regular feature in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Sewerage blockages, open drains and underground drainages are creating problems to the people in Vijayawada. Blockages are being caused mainly due to lack of waste water outlets and not taking necessary precautions in storm water drainage system works. The blockages lead to stagnation of water which promote breeding of mosquitoes that lead to several vector-borne diseases. People in many areas of the city have been complaining about blocked drains and the officials have been visiting the areas to address the problems but there seems to be no end to it.

Interestingly, it is the VMC chief who is paying attention to the complaints and sending the staff immediately, but not the corporators. On one side, the officials are keen on beautifying the city and on the contrary, the sewage problem has become a headache to the officials. Babu Nadhan, health officer, VMC, told Deccan Chronicle: “With regard to the open drainages, we have cleared all the complaints in the city. Whenever a complaint comes in, we are reacting immediately. Once the underground drainage works are complete, then there will be no complaints complaints being made regularly. The underground drainage works are underway.”

Chief engineer of VMC Adiseshu told Deccan Chronicle that “The officials receive 6-7 complaints regarding underground drainage system every day and we are attending them. It is mainly because of the waste water flowing into the sewerage pipelines. Kitchen waste, napkins, hair and used carry bags are getting accumulated and leading to the blockage.”