Slum dwellers dread rainy season

HUBLI: For years, the pathetic condition of Heggeri road had put dwellers of Heggeri Siddarooda Nagar slum through severe hardships. Finally, the road was developed about a year ago, much to the joy of the residents. But their joy was short lived as the reckless road work threw up another problem, this time a more severe one. The authorities had raised the height of the road by 3 feet, literally leaving the people residing on its sides in a gorge.As a result, the slum got converted into a low-lying area, which gets inundated during rainy season.
Further, the lack of proper gutters in the area only adds to their woes as sewage enters into the houses along with rain water, giving sleepless nights to residents. Also, some of the old houses in the slum have collapsed because of moisture damage.
The residents rue that their area, inhabited by more than 200 houses, gets the least attention when it comes to development or cleaning works. Though the area suffers during every rainy season, the HDMC does not bother to clean the drains as a pre-monsoon exercise. Hence, the dreaded residents fend for themselves by cleaning drains around their houses.
Besides, the Raja Kaluve, which cuts through the slum, poses danger to residents. The protection wall of the Raja Kaluve collapsed during monsoon last year, with the debris choking the water flow. The authorities did not bother to clear the debris nor did they rebuild the protection wall. The residents fear that it may prove detrimental during heavy rain.
Moreover, the Heggeri road, which connects Gokul Road and Indi Pump has turned into a death trap for residents, as it does not have proper speed breakers. Within a few months after the road was built, a four-year girl was killed on the road in an accident. Despite this, the authorities have not yet installed speed breakers on the road, said angry residents.
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A storm water drain needs to be constructed to prevent rain water from entering the houses in the area. Also a protection wall has to be constructed for the Raja Kaluve. Efforts are being made in this regard.