The infamous central Nallah (Kushak drain) is now boasting of all the horrendous stories every day for the residents of so called posh Defence colony. The Samvada team visited the venue (Nallah Park situated on the top of drain) and met many residents who narrated their dreadful experiences faced almost daily by their families.
What Are These Alarming Issues Faced by Residents?
• The pending areas of this Nallah are still awaiting completion even after more than 10 years of its inception. There is no water treatment plant to process the water for other usages!
• Emission of poisonous gases and foul smell all the time especially towards railway lines which is the part that is incomplete due to the negative activities of 2-3 notorious residents.
• Drunkards and druggies use it freely during the day and mostly at night
• The Nallha water is used for plants which is the main issue for foul smell on Nallah
• Dog walkers spreading filth (pooh) all over the walking tracks and grass
• Garbage Dhalaos are full of malba which remains uncleared for days
• Kotla/Lajpat nagar crowd creating high pitch noise and playing games dangerously
• Rats, sometimes snakes coming out of bushes which are not trimmed for months
• Servants, Guards etc urinating openly as there is no toilet facility in and around the central park
The residents living near the Nallah are facing the brunt of these foul smelly gases which are not only health hazards but also damaging their AC coils and other equipment most frequently. Many have either sold off their properties or shifted to other blocks and colonies. The pipes which were installed on Nallha for emission of gases are either removed or are choked during the last 10 years. The Nallah belongs to DDA but was handed over to SDMC for maintenance but due to scarcity of funds and staff (only 2-3 mallis for one km Long Park) which is also resulting in poor horticulture, trimming of trees and grass. The lights are not working at many places which are also creating Dark spots favoring the drunkards and druggies who undertake various criminal activities in the evenings and nights. The Dog walkers use this park as “open Dog toilet” which creates nuisance for daily walkers as the Pooh is spread all over the walking strip. The guards and servants who are not allowed to use the residents’ home toilets are seen urinating all over the walls of the Nallah to create shameful picture for the residents especially ladies.
What Are the Logical Solutions Suggested by the Residents?
* The Nallah project should be completed with proper passage of water through the drain under the park. This is most important to get started with other activities. DDA must hand over the project Nallha to SDMC as done for other parks and must be maintained on PPP scheme by diving it into 8-10 zones.
* The Horticulture department must employ more gardeners who may use ground water as done in other parks. The plants, shrubs, bushes and trees must be pruned and maintained properly
* The police team must visit during the day and evenings to question the drinkers and notorious people sitting or roaming in the parks.
* The Dog walkers must be Banned to get any dog in the park as done in other parks of colony
* There must be more lights all over the park to enable the daily walkers to walk freely in early morning or in the evenings
Lastly, we at Samvada keep highlighting these issues but due to no action from the authorities the problems are adding with each passing month which needs to be addressed by the concerned authorities. The DCWA must create a Nallah committee with timelines to resolve the central Nallah issues. This would create blessing from disguise for the residents who are not ready to take a walk at this central park due to above mentioned issues.
