Open drain in Munnekolala sparks safety and health concerns; Residents demand urgent action from Bengaluru civic agency
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Bengaluru: An open stormwater drain in Munnekolala's Sapthagiri Layout stands as a stark example of civic neglect. Instead of serving its intended purpose of carrying rainwater, the drain is filled with garbage and wastewater, posing health and safety issues.
Located right in the middle of a residential layout in east Bengaluru, the open drain is a major hazard. Residents say two months ago, a person who was suspected to be intoxicated fell into the drain and lost his life.
A field visit by TOI revealed the drain runs adjacent to a row of houses for at least 10 metres. The surrounding area is littered with silt, mud and construction debris. The drain, barely blocked by a single cement slab at the entrance, has become a garbage dump.
Indira Nair, a resident living just metres away from the open drain, told TOI, "I don't know why the drain is kept open. It is filled with garbage and tends to overflow whenever there is heavy rain. People are also to be blamed as they dump waste into the open drain when they miss the van."
Another resident, Mani, said the drain has been in this condition for over two years. "At least a grill can be built or the drain can be covered with a net or something.
There are no safety measures in place. Mosquitoes and flies come to our houses and our health is at risk."
Raman Singh KV, a commuter and activist, claims he submitted multiple complaints to BBMP, but little or no action has been taken. He even raised the issue on social media, which drew public outrage and widespread criticism of BBMP's alleged inaction.
A BBMP assistant engineer (SWD), Munnekolala division, admitted the drain is in poor condition. "Retention wall work is happening a little ahead on the same SWD, which has slowed down water flow. We are looking to get some funds from World Bank for the drain, and we could use the money to properly fence it and build a wall."
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