Where’s the system, asks civic commissioner Aloria

Most shocking is the fact that VMC hasn’t done much. Asked why the system can’t be improved permanently, Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria says, “System hi kahan hai?” (Where is the system?).

Deputy Mayor Dinesh Choksi admits the VMC has not been able to take an overall view of the problem. “The problem is large but the resources are meagre,” he adds.

While Aloria says nothing much can be done since only five per cent of the total revenue budget is spent on capital works, the fact is that in the last couple of years the VMC has failed to manage financial resources to set right the drainage and storm water drain systems. This, despite according top priority to providing an `adequate’ water supply in the past decade.

The walled city areas Mandvi, Lehripura, Bajwada — have contamination problems because of sewage from ancient corroded drainage lines mixing with corroded water pipelines. In many areas like Dandia Bazaar, Sama and Raopura, it is caused by frequent digging of roads by various agencies to lay service lines. And in areas like Wadi it could be because of individual water pipelines having rusted. In Kishanwadi, contamination is the result of slum clearance board constructions on service lines. The reasons are different, but the problem is same.

Councillors have frequently raised a hue and cry, but with little effect; similar is the case with representations from the public. While councillor Aziz Dangiwala laments that the VMC simply gets away by saying that contamination results as there are unauthorised connections, the Congress and BJP are happy to pass the buck on to each other. And Aloria throws it back, saying it is the elected wing’s responsibility to allocate funds.

The common man, however, appears to have become sick of the `financial constraint’ plea. Pradip Jain, an advocate staying in Shirdinagar, said, “We have been getting worms in the water for the past few months and our complaints have fallen on deaf ears in the ward offices.” The problem, he adds, doesn’t seem to have been addressed properly.

Social worker Kankuben of Kishanwadi claims at any given time at least one member of every family in the locality suffers from water-borne diseases. Mukesh Jaiswal, a resident of Wadi, alleges that the service lines are not laid deeper and as a result they give in due to pressure.

While more than 30 per cent of the city areas do not have drainage lines, the ones that exist in the walled city are more than 50 years old. Similarly, several parts, including the R C Dutt Road, do not have storm water drains, leading to residents diverting the flow of rain water in drainage and increasing pressure on drainage lines. This, in turn, can lead to their rupture.

Choksi admits it’s the VMC’s responsibility to create awareness among the public that only better services can be provided only if taxes are raised. “There is also a need to instill confidence in people that they will get better services if taxes are hiked,” he adds.