Faulty connection spews sewage on road in Pimple Saudagar

PUNE: Overflowing manholes on a road near Challenger Public School in Pimple Saudagar are causing waterlogging besides giving out unbearably foul smell.
Machindra Kale, who lives in a housing society nearby, said the problem is not new. "The drainage line overflows every year after a heavy spell of rain. This year, it has been happening for the last 15 days or more.If you look carefully, one of the manhole covers has been deliberately kept open. It looks like the pipeline cannot bear the load of the sewage that flows through it," said Kale, who has stopped taking his grandson out for a walk because of the mess and the foul smell.
The leakage poses health challenge not only for the school and a multispecialty hospital nearby, but also for several multi-storeyed premium housing societies located on the road adjacent to the new road.
An employee of the school, on the condition of anonymity, said, "Accumulated water makes it difficult to spot potholes. Parents, who carry their children on two-wheelers, are scared of taking the road for fear of falling. So, they are compelled to take a longer route from Kokane chowk."
Deputy engineer (drainage department) Ravi Pawar said, "Many areas in Pimple Saudagar are facing waterlogging due to overflowing drainage lines. We are working on the problem. The sewage flow will be restored soon."
Shatrughan Kate, the local corporator, said, "The waste flows out because housing societies have connected stormwater drainages with sewage lines although the municipal corporation has provided separate pipelines for the two. Several areas across Pimpri Chinchwad are facing similar problem. The issue was discussed at the general body meeting today."
Kate said that civic officials have been working for the last three days to clear the choked lines. "Extreme force of water is making the task difficult. But the problem will be solved soon."
Starting Wednesday, PCMC staffers will begin inspection of housing societies to identify stormwater lines connected to drainage lines. "People will be told to separate the two lines or face action," said Kate.