Immediate action by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has brought relief to the residents of Woodland Society in Chandivli after mid-day’s coverage highlighted the issue of waterlogging and mosquito breeding on the terrace of an unknown civic structure located adjacent to their residential complex. While the authorities did not just get the water drained, they also fumigated the spot.
Residents thank mid-day
“We have been raising several complaints regarding waterlogging for the past many weeks. However, we were ignored each time. Now that you (mid-day) finally took it up, some action has been taken,” said Surjit Saini, a resident of the society.
However, some level of worry still bothers the residents. “They have drained the water from the top and cleaned the terrace. But the water still has accumulated on the ground, which needs to be cleaned. The ground space also needs to be drained properly so that it dries quickly and does not lead to mosquito breeding. Also, the authorities must ensure that the terrace has a proper slope so that water does not accumulate on top again when it rains,” said Devendra Jain, chairman of Woodland Heights.
BMC staff fumigate the area to kill the presence of mosquitoes (right) Terrace of unknown BMC structure cleaned after mid-day report. Pics/By Special Arrangement
While those who built the structure had cut big branches of the trees, some branches still bend towards the terrace, due to which small branches and leaves fall on it. “Even if it does not rain, it should be ensured that the terrace is cleaned every day as these leaves and small branches that fall on the terrace choke the outlets that are made for the rainwater to pass when it gets accumulated,” said Liyaquath Khan, who also resides in the same residential complex.
No word on structure utility
Though L ward officer Dhanaji Herlekar has assured that the usage of the space will be decided and accordingly MHADA will be directed to put up boards, “So far, we haven’t seen any officials come and inspect the space. No board has been put on. We suggest that the space can be either converted into an open gym or a small garden, walking track — basically something that can be utilised by the residents of the area instead of the politicians for their personal use or as their shakhas,” said Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder, Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association.
BMC guidelines on keeping building premises clean
BMC has issued guidelines and has stated that those who fail to follow these guidelines will be prosecuted under Section 381B of BMC Act
Keep the water storage tanks in perfectly mosquito-proof condition by covering manhole of the tanks with BMC-approved standard pattern cast iron/fibre glass covers and sealing all the gaps and crevices in the water storage tanks to prevent entry of mosquitoes inside them
Empty the water collected in the flower pots, petri dishes, fengshui plants, ornamental bamboo shoots, artificial fountains, ACs, trays holding water, trays holding defrosted water from refrigerator, money plants, bottles/pots etc. twice a week to avoid mosquito breeding
Cover the wells with RCC slab and keep it in a mosquito-proof condition
Remove and discard materials, old articles coconut shells, tyres etc., entirely off the premises
Drain out the water in fountains regulary
Remove rain water accumulated in the tarpaulins
Empty the water stored in drum once a week
