Complete collapse of drainage system in Mendhar, authorities unmoved

M S Nazki

POONCH, July 15: Failure of authorities to undertake required cleaning of drains has not only led to the water-logging of sewage on roads but also create unhygienic conditions in various areas of the Mendhar tehsil in Poonch district just after slight rains.
Social Worker Sheraz Ahmed Mir lamented that most of the drains in the area have been choked due to extensive silting and casual approach of the concerned authorities. “The choked drains apparently have created mess in day to day life. Even a slight drizzle causes water-logging and over flooding of sewage water in the area,” he said.
Locals bemoaned that the inundated roads with sewage water not only hampers movement of locals particularly children, women and aged who were being ferried to main road in vehicles.
They said, “The problem is severe at main bus stand Mendhar town. “A network of drains passes through our area but due to choking of drains in absence of cleaning, foul and stinky smell has surrounds the locality. “We have many times requested the concerned authorities to undertake cleaning of the drains; however no action has been taken so far,”
Other locals too have hummed similar voices and complained of over flooding of sewage and rain water.
“The drains are completely choked in our area, local residents alleged, adding, “The rain water even at times enters into low lying residential areas.”