Clean drains

It is heartening to note that the Supreme Court is taking keen interest in ensuring cleanliness on the streets of Karachi. In this connection, it is relevant to point out the conditions of storm water drains built in collaboration with Chinese firms about eight years back in the Defence Housing Society area. It seems no provision was envisaged for its cleaning or maintenance. These drains have not been cleaned since their origin. On the other hand, it is believed that some people, particularly contractors, have connected gutter lines with these drains.

Potable water lines passing through these drains tend to get clogged and clean water gets mixed up with gutter contents. These drains are choked with garbage hindering the free flow of water. At places the holes provided for storm water intake have been blocked and covered with road construction material while road carpeting without giving due thought. The relevant authorities should pay attention to these drains urgently and work out a workable plan for its yearly maintenance.

Professor (r) M A Quidwai

Karachi