Utensils, tyres come out of choked drain

MUMBAI, July 1: Utensils, truck tyres, plastic bags, bamboo sticks and huge boulders were a few of the objects that came out of a choked storm water drain at Antop Hill today. This blocked pipe had led to flooding in low-lying spots of King8217;s Circle and Sion for over three days throwing life and business out of gear in this densely populated area.

The block was located this morning bringing to an end speculations about the problem. The labourers, who broke a concrete box drain next to Vasantdada Chowk at Kane Nagar to clear the drain, removed over six trucks-full of muck. Senior officers supervising the operation said a three-kilometre stretch of the drain from King8217;s Circle to the Antop Hill post office was blocked and that it would take a long time to clear it.

Till then, the drain water was being diverted through other lines, it was learnt. Officers said all kind of waste matter enters the closed drain through the numerous open drains which join it at regular intervals. The operation was assisted by anarray of sophisticated machines including a earth-mover, a concrete breaker, jetting machine, power-welding machines and suction machines. About 25 officers and 100 labourers were at the site and the work was to continue through the day.

Mayor Nandu Satam, who visited the spot early in the day, blamed the residents for the problem. 8220;The slums adjoining the drain are inhabited by Bangladeshis who throw their garbage in the open drains.8221; He has ordered the ward officer to fine such people.