Municipal Corporation of Gurugram starts pre-rain cleaning

Gurgaon residents may not face water logging and waste accumulation this monsoon, according to a spokesperson of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). Water harvesting systems, sewage passages and drainage systems are being cleaned out ahead of the monsoons.

Sectors 31, 15, 21, 23-A, 10-A, 17-A, 46 and 14 are being worked on currently. Teams have been instructed to clean out water harvesting systems first before moving on to sewage and drainage, the spokesperson said. Gurgaon MLA Umesh Agarwal recently met officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and discussed plans to strengthen storm water evacuation systems along highways passing through.

Municipal Commissioner V Umashankar said residents’ cooperation was essential. “Citizens need to take the initiative to alert us about problems in their localities. We have had cases with RWAs taking an interest and participating in preparing for the monsoons with us. They can help by identifying and notifying us in time,” he said.

Ojas Tewari, resident of Sector 14, said the RWA of his area called up MCG officials requesting them to clean up the sewage and drainage blocks. “Monsoons can be a nightmare. Gurgaon comes to a standstill when there are water logging issues. Now we can expect a smooth season,” he said.

MCG is also encouraging citizens to maintain high levels of hygiene with a running campaign against open defecation. The campaign, especially in slum areas, includes street plays and songs by various artistes. Performers touch upon diseases such as diarrhoea, jaundice and cholera, which thrive in unsanitary conditions.

MCG joint commissioner Anu Shyokand has prepared a detailed action plan to make the city free of open defecation. The plan includes providing basic infrastructure and information on the harmful effects of open defecation.

“The slum areas have been identified and they shall be provided with public toilets, community toilets and mobile toilet vans. Government and private land will be identified as municipal and private land. Private land owners will be asked to provide toilets for their areas,” she said.