The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Sewage seeps into Byappanahalli wells

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Friday, Jun 20, 2008
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Sewage seeps into Byappanahalli wells

Thafleel Uppinangadi

Water in most of the wells in the area is contaminated; BWSSB denies seepage from drains

The problem has been persistent for the last two years, say residents
BWSSB engineer says he is not aware of wells being closed

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Spreading panic: Wells in Byappanahalli have turned into breeding ground for mosquitoes.

BANGALORE: Seepage of sewage into open wells in Byappanahalli area has created panic among the residents on the spread of diseases. While some residents have closed their wells as the problem has been persisting for the past two years, the others have stopped drawing the water.

The residents complained that the wells, filled with worms and other matter, have turned into breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Kannan, a resident of Kumara Swamy Layout in Byappanahalli, told The Hindu that six months ago they had closed the well after water started stinking, and they were now entirely dependent on Cauvery water.

Drains get blocked

“We have been complaining about blocked drainage system. Six months ago some of us noticed the seepage of drainage water in the well. We then decided to close the wells", he added.

Choked drains is not new to the residents of Byppanahalli. They have been living with the problem with the authorities concerned ignoring their complaints about it for the past two years. Kodandan, another resident, complained that the drains getting blocked is more frequent. “Even our toilets get blocked, especially during rains.”

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) collects Rs. 20 a month as sanitary fee along with the water bill, but is not ready to solve the problems faced by the residents, said Mr. Kodandan. The recent drainage block resulted in digging up of the road to repair damaged pipes on June 14. The work is yet to be completed although it was supposed to have been completed on June 16.

New pipes demanded

Meanwhile, the residents protested against the work of the BWSSB and said the board should lay new pipes instead.

“This kind of repair work cannot prevent seepage of sewage water into the wells. At least once in a month we are confronting with drainage block,” said Mahesan, who closed his well three months ago.

Residents have been demanding that the BWSSB should take permanent measures to prevent seepage of wastewater to the other water sources.

BWSSB Assistant Executive Engineer Jayaramaiah said the steps had been taken to lay a new pipe by removing the damaged one. He said that possibility of entry of sewage from the pipeline was remote. But it could have seeped in from a nearby by open drain, if any. The engineer said that the issue of closure of wells by residents had not been brought to the board’s notice.

Meanwhile, the BWSSB officials said sufficient drinking water was being supplied to the area and that there was no need for the residents to draw water from the open wells.

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