Storm water drains test peoples patience

CHENNAI: The tunnelling machines and sophisticated equipment of the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) that have dug deep into the underbelly of the city has resulted in a nightmare for people who live in the vicinity. With water supply being hit or the streets getting flooded after storm water drains have started overflowing, summer is likely to be a testing time.Interestingly, the residents who have been forced to go without water or find their streets inundated, have always backed the project. But now, their patience is wearing thin because of official apathy. “We want Metro Rail but then authorities should work out a solution to resolve our issues,” says Haleem, a social activist.Among the worst affected are residents of Pensioners Lane in Old Washermenpet as all excess water at the project site is pumped out by Metro Rail workers and released into the neighbouring storm water drain. The drains fill up quickly and the overflow reaches the street. Residents have been running from pillar to post seeking some solution, but in vain. “We have been protesting since the time CMRL laid their pipes into the drainage connection but our pleas were ignored. Officials stated that it won’t affect the local residents,” says Nizamuddin. For their part, Metro Water officials say it up to the Chennai Corporation to look into the issue as the storm water drain is under their jurisdiction. And corporation officials blame the CMRL, saying it should have laid its own pipeline to flush out water into the Buckingham canal. However, Metro Rail officials could not be contacted for comment.A Metro Water official, on condition of anonymity, blames the Corporation for not cleaning the storm water drain. “Is the CMRL water too voluminous for the Corporation storm water drain, which can handle monsoons? There might be some blockage, which could have resulted in water overflowing,” he opines. Another worry is the risk of water borne diseases spreading. “Many of our close relatives have dengue and we are not able to visit the mosque as the street is inundated. We request the government to take action,” says Haleem.