by Chitra S Jain (Gen. Secretary, NFC RWA Ashoka Park)
The first time it happened was about two years ago and it happened again on 2 Sep. The main trunk sewer line on CV Raman road had a blockage somewhere be-tween Lal Path Lab-C 655 and gate BC 8. This resulted in the manhole outside C-655 filling up and causing a backflow into the sewer line on BC 7 road from BC 7 gate up to BC 12 gate. All the sewer man holes on this road began spewing out sewage at an alarming pace and soon the road was like a stream of sewage. The stench was unbearable and residents had a trying time getting in and out of their housesand were worried about the health hazards. The RWA was constantly pushing the DJB to clear the blockage.
The Delhi Jal Board tried to remove this blockage using super sucker machines and on the first round the jetting head of the machine broke away are got lodged inside the drain worsening the situation. The machines were deployed several times, and each round would bring some respite for a few hours during the day. Finally, on the 13th night the largest machine that was available was used and the blockage removed.
We now understand from the DJB that this stretch of the sewer line on CV Raman road has a problem, with both the jetting head still stuck in the line as well as a possible deformation in the lining of the pipe. There is a need to replace this stretch of the pipe to avoid similar blockages in the future and the RWA will follow up on the same. The only downside is that this sewer line is at a depth of about 15 feet below the road level and pipe replacements would involve multiple agencies like the PWD and Traffic police.
