Manholes constructed 2 feet above road level leave residents anxious in Ludhiana

Much to the bewilderment of locals, sewer manholes are being constructed two feet above the road level in street number 2 of Thapar Colony, with further ‘assurance’ of raising the road level.

Residents rue that if the construction continues, around 40 houses on the street would have to be reconstructed to bring them to the level of the road. Else, the entrance to the houses would go below the road level.

Besides, as the manholes have been constructed in the middle of the road, four-wheelers can no longer enter the street.

The affected residents alleged that the sewerage system was being installed in an improper way due to the suggestion of some influential persons as their houses were already constructed at 2 to 3 feet high from the current road level.

After having met the area councillor, that bore no fruit, they have now appealed to the state government and officials concerned to inspect the ongoing work so that the sewage system could be installed correctly.

CP George, 63, an area resident , said, “Our house was constr ucted in 2002 when it was above the road level. But now the level of road will be increased as the manholes are being constructed at height of two feet from the road.

This is absurd as the entrance to the houses will go down. The authorities concer ned should pay heed, as we will be forced to reconstruct our houses if road level is increased, which is nothing less than harassment. I, along with other residents, complained to the area councillor. But in vain.”

Another resident, Jwala Prasad, said, “I have spent my ear nings to build my houses. I cannot afford to reconstruct it to raise its level . This is sheer injustice. The municipal corporation and Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board should find an alternative, so that our houses are not af fected.”

When contacted, area councillor Narinder Singh claimed, “The road of street number 2 is not at the same level as other streets. Therefore, manholes are being constructed at some height from the road level so that the sewerage system functions correctly. Besides, residents also wanted that the manholes be constructed above the road level.”