Locals came out in large numbers, when the contractor appointed by Gera resumed re-digging the road which was covered by the locals along with traditional fisherman a couple of weeks ago. This time the agitation did not succeed as police protection had been granted to carry out the work.
Speaking to Herald, a fisherman said, “Gera is connecting their sewage drain to the municipal storm drain alongside the road, which flows into the sea. This will create a nuisance for the traditional fishermen in the area. Gera claims they would dispose only storm water. “If that is the case then why are they digging a two-meter deep drain? Three feet is enough for storm water,” said a local.
Later, locals approached District Collector Nila Mohanan, who advised them to file a written complaint. She told the agitated residents that Gera has permission from the High Court.
Gera has been claiming they have a proper sewage treatment plant for the multi-storey building. Speaking to Herald earlier, Managing Director of Gera Developers Pvt Ltd Rohit Gera had said, “We check the quality of the treated water on a monthly basis through a government approved lab and we have the test reports for the same. This clearly indicates that the sewage is properly treated within the premises. The residents had a harrowing time during the rains last year and this connection is necessary from their life safety perspective.”
He had said, “The work of connecting Gera Astoria’s storm water drain to CCP drain is being done under the orders of the High Court and as directed by CCP. The connection is being done only for the storm water. There seems to be some misunderstanding that raw sewage will be discharged into the drain.”
