So here we are, with another issue affecting the Sectors. But before taking up the issue, ideally, we would like to request our critics not to target us for carrying this story, as we are only a messenger and as Shakespeare said, “Don’t shoot the messenger”.
Dirty open drains with numerous problems associated with a ‘ganda nallah’ run through various segments in many sectors, including ours and yours. Besides the problem of mosquito breeding, how do noxious gases emanating from this polluted open drain crisscrossing the Sector impact the health of residents?
Newborns, children, senior citizens, adults with lung disease, and asthmatics are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of nala gases. Yes, it is sulphur dioxide and sulphuric acid emanating from the drains that cause eye, nasal and throat irritation leading to coughing, wheezing, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest pains, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. It causes asthma attacks, heart and lung disease and respiratory problems in susceptible population groups.
In short, the effect of these toxic gases is to produce a hypofunctional respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulphide can produce olfactory fatigue, whereby the scent of the foul-smelling gas becomes undetectable; we become comfortable with our level of uncomfortableness and no longer realize that we’re not functioning at our best.
The residents have been lodging complaints with Noida Authority to find a solution but a concrete solution is hardly seen. The permanent and concrete covering of drains outside houses is one of the forms of encroachment. This makes cleaning of the drains extremely difficult. The RWA sends reminders to remove these covers as Noida Authority officials show their inability to clean the drains with these permanent constructions. Any strict action or crisp instructions are considered in bad taste by the residents. The ramps, fences and space built to accommodate generators block the drains. These drains cannot be cleaned and water overflow from the drains in the rainy season damages the roads. Some of the drains in the Sector become so choked that they spew sewer water on the road. It is such a revolting sight, not to mention the horrific stench and health hazard. With smog in the air and dirty water on the ground, one feels we are in a living hell. Noida Authority claims that the reason for this spillage and choked sewers is that some people have built driveway ramps over the drain, obstructing the passage of sewerage.
It is an irony that the human race itself creates problems and then cribs about them. After the winter season when the spring sets in, old leaves on the trees are shed away and new leaves come out. Old leaves dry up and accumulate in the drains along the roads and choke the drains. Apart from these dry leaves, polyethene bags, plastic cups and Thermo Cole items also get accumulated in drains.
Cleaning of drains becomes important to avoid blockage of water and avoid water accumulation. If water accumulation is not taken care of, mosquitoes start breeding in these drains and become a source of many diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
