Siliguri, 09th December: Work on building a new drainage system has commenced in the city at a budget of Rs 10 crores, to solve the problems of water accumulation in areas of Siliguri like Shaktigarh and Ashoknagar during monsoon. But, SMC had to face hurdles before the work commenced.
According to the plan, the water of Ward No. 31 and 32 will flow to the Mahananda river through the Sheetla Para drain. Due to this, the work of building a new drainage system began on Friday in Sheetla Para at a cost of about Rs 1 crore and 76 lakh, after which the residents of Sheetal Para started protesting and stopped the construction work of drainage.
According to the locals, the situation of water logging can arise more due to the water of the Shaktigarh area that will flow into the new drain. In such heavy showers, the water of the area gets accumulated in the drain. At the same time, if the water from other areas passes through the said drain, the problem can increase further.
On the other hand, Siliguri Municipal Corporation Mayor Goutam Deb, local ward councilors, borough chairman, and municipal officials reached the spot following protests by residents. After this, the mayor talked to the locals. During this, Mayor Goutam Deb said that there is confusion among the people of the area regarding the construction of the drain. In Ward No. 31 and 32, work is being done in a way to solve the problem of water logging. The water will flow into the river from the drain made in Sheetla Para. At the same time, he added that for the time being, however, officials of the Irrigation Department, SMC will go to the area to survey and talk to the residents.