Bhatkal: The people of Goodluck Road, KHB Colony and Kargadde in Jali Pattan Panchayat limits have pointed out many faults in the ongoing pipeline and chamber works in their areas and expressed concern that the situation in the upper areas of Bhatkal will also deteriorate in future. In the next few years, the situation will be same as that of Ghausia Street, because the pipeline laying and construction of chambers started here is substandard and it is already known that the water from the chambers enter the wells.
The work of laying the pipeline on Goodluck Road in Bhatkal has been going on for the last few days. In this regard, the local youths opened two chambers recently and found out that the depth of the chambers constructed for drainage is only one meter, when it actually has to be normally of two to two and a half meters deep. The youths say that on the one hand, the depth of the chambers is very less, while after connecting the pipeline, no arrangement has been made to prevent the sewage from being absorbed into the ground while passing through the pipeline. There is a risk of leaking water from the chambers. They also alleged that 6-inch pipes have been laid, although the way it rains in the coastal areas, there are more chances that rainwater will easily enter these chambers. In this case, as soon as the rain starts, the gutter water starts flowing on the paths. People allege that the work that is being done is completely unscientific, and substandard, and if it is not stopped immediately, the wells of the whole area are bound to deteriorate and so is this upper part of Bhatkal. Infact, in future it will be like Ghousia Street where about 800 wells have spoiled.
Speaking on behalf of the people, social activist Misbah Ul Haq said that it has been decided to install 6-inch pipes up to 39.5 km in a total area of 42.5 km. The work here is carried without the approach of local people or panchayat members. The work that is going on has been started by considering future of only five years, although we should have a plan considering future of next 25 to 50 years.
Misbah, a Civil Engineer by profession, fears that if the work goes ahead, the groundwater is likely to deteriorate, which could lead to a serious drinking water problem in next few years in these areas.
What does the former Jali Pattan Panchayat President say?: Talking to SahilOnline, Adam Panambur, former president of Jali Pattan Panchayat, said, Rs. 70 crore has been allocated for underground drainage system in the areas of Jali Pattan Panchayat under which the government plans to build five wet wells. But when the discussion was underway in the Jali Pattan Panchayat meeting, we made it clear that first we should be explained about the plan, the project report, the blueprint of the plan, everything should be clarified as well as we should be aware that how much will it cost for maintenance of this work and where will the money come from. "We had invited the water board officials several times and asked them to explain the plan, but they have not approached us to explain the plan," he said. The meeting passed a resolution that until all the details are clear before us and the members are fully satisfied, we will not allow this work to proceed, he added.
Mr. Adam said that most of the councilors of Jali Pattan Panchayat have not allowed this work to take place in their areas and are adamant that unless we are given details, the pipeline will not be laid. That is why the work of laying the pipeline in all four wards of Azad Nagar including Umar Street, Moosa Nagar, Madeena Colony, Mohiuddiin Street, Tigalkod, Bendikan, Badriya Colony etc. has been stopped.
In this regard, Jali Pattan Panchayat Councilor Advocate Imran Lanka said that if the pipeline is laid in Jali Pattan Panchayat limits and five wet wells are constructed, more than Rs 4 crores would be spent annually on its maintenance. We need to know who will pay for this maintenance. Wouldn't the public be burdened with its maintenance? How much will it cost each person?
Another councilor, Aftab Damda, said that none of the panchayat councilors were against development work, but if work was to be done, the panchayat members should be taken into confidence. We should have a complete project report in our hands. If the work is carried out without any permission from the Panchayat and the project is approved in the Panchayat meeting, then we will not allow such work to proceed. We have a huge responsibility on the people. Also, we have to move forward only by satisfying our people. He further said that everyone are aware of the issue of Ghousia Street, the people are terrified of the wells being damaged, they have to get out of it, then the complete plan should be in front of us and we should move forward with confidence.
The plan is pushed forcibly: When asked, Councilor Bilal Qamri from Kargadde said that the project was being forced in his area, adding that no final decision has been taken in this regard in the Panchayat yet, but we started work without taking it into confidence.
Memorandum will be given to the Assistant Commissioner: After the issue of substandard work on Goodluck Road came to light, the people of the area have decided to meet the Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner in the next two days and submit a memorandum in which they will be apprised of all the issues. Along with Misbah Ul Haq, Councilor Bilal Qamri, Secretary of Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and Maulana Wasiullah DF, renowned engineer Ismail Jubapu, Irfan Mohtasham, Jali Pattan Panchayat Vice President Farzana, Irshad Ikkeri, Rayyan Ruknuddin, Maulvi Abdul Moeed Shingeri, Shingeri Masood, Irshad Siddique and many others were present on the occasion.
Watch here: