TEAM HERALD
VASCO: While the local self-governing bodies have already started pre-monsoon works of clearing rainwater drains and other big nullahs, the rainwater drain constructed along the roadside of new Dabolim airport terminal is blocked with construction debris and excavated mud.
Airport Director M Suresh said the external work of the new airport terminal is on the verge of completion and he will direct the contractor to clear the drain.
With monsoon just a month away, the airport authority and the contractors involved in the construction of the retaining wall has reportedly failed to clear the rainwater drain, which is filled with waste water that is let into the drain by fitting an underground pipe.
Since the drain is chocked with waste material, the water overflows on the road which causes inconvenience to two-wheeler riders, as the dirty water splashes on them whenever a four-wheeler zoom past the two-wheelers.
Speaking to Herald, two-wheeler riders who proceed to work at the port town and use the airport Shanti Nagar road complained that the dirty water which flows across the road from the drain splashes on them and they have to stay with the stink at their work place the entire day, while others said they carry additional pair of outfit.
When contacted, Airport Director M Suresh informed that the external work of the new airport terminal is on the verge of completion and he will direct the contractor to clear the drain.
When told that the monsoon is just round the corner, Suresh said some construction work is still going along the retaining wall outside the airport. “The work will be completed in the next few days and the drains will be immediately cleared of all the waste material,” he assured.
When brought to his notice about the water which is let out in the drain and which overflows on the road causing nuisance to two-wheeler riders, Suresh said: “The water is from the cooling towers inside the airport and we are in the process of creating water harvesting area inside the airport,” he added.
“We admit that the water flows on the road which causes problem to two-wheeler riders and hence we have diverted the water in an open space inside the airport and once the water harvesting area is ready, all the water generated at the airport will be diverted towards the water harvesting area,” said Suresh.
