Local residents bear brunt of open nala

Nacharam: The open nala that flows adjacent to some buildings at Karthikeya Nagar in Nacharam presents a harmful ordeal. Residents living in various apartments in the surrounding areas as well are suffering as the open nala passes through it raising a stink.

The overpowering stench and deadly mosquitoes are a part of life for the residents of the area. The huge open `nala' in the area which cuts across several residential complexes, has made life miserable for the locals. One can imagine the plight of the residents living there for years keeping their doors and windows shut throughout the day.

Residents of these apartments felt that it would be better if they stayed away from home for long hours to escape the foul smell. But at the end of the day, they have no choice but to return home for yet another ordeal.

Repeated pleas by the residents of several apartments to the authorities concerned to make some alternative arrangements like either covering the 'nala' with slabs or at least having huge pipelines.

"We cannot open the doors or windows for fresh air. With the mosquito menace rising in the evening, we cannot even take a walk and spend sleepless nights. At least during daytime, being at office saves me from the stink. But what about my family members who are at home throughout the day?" asks Riplika, a resident of Karthikeya Nagar, while speaking to The Hans India here on Sunday.

According to the resident, Pallabh Kumar, "Earlier, effluents used to be released in the nala, but now it has come down. But still people keep throwing heaps of garbage and the stench that emanates from the dirty water has made our lives miserable. The best thing that the authorities can do is to have those huge pipes through which the dirty water and waste material can pass, at least there will be no stink in the area," he suggests.

A housewife, Sowmya, suggests that a slab can be laid on the nala and that can be used for parking purpose. "We are staying here for the last five years and each day is a hell," she added.