For the past one month now, the over 3,000 families living in Jacobpura of Sector 5 have been enduring foul smell from sewage water from open sewage pits overflowing on to sector roads. Despite several complaints to the subdivision office, maintenance work is slow and unsatisfactory, according to residents.Last week, a 10-year-old girl fell into a sewage opening at the entrance to the Ram mandir park in the sector that had been left uncovered. She was pulled out immediately by vigilant neighbours.According to Govind Saluja, a resident , “The water has been overflowing from the blocked sewage drain on the main road for 25 days now. The area has become a breeding ground for pests. My son fell ill and tested positive for dengue. We have followed up several times with the junior engineer. They come and get the sewage cleaned but after a few days, the same problem erupts.”RWA member Dinesh Vashisht says an accident was averted when the 10-year-old girl fell into the open sewage tank as passersby quickly gathered to help.“The open sewage pits not only pose a safety hazard for humans and animals, but are also a health risk for the 8,000 people residing in the entire sector,” he added.The toll-free numbers for civic issues are never answered by authorities. Residents are sceptical of short-term solutions as the sewage plant is in a dilapidated state. Another resident, S P Sharma, said the sewage system has been malfunctioning in the old city since inception.“The sewage pipe was blocked for many months, and now the dirty water has flooded the road. Some MCG sanitation workers have come to drain out water, but the situation will be back to square one in a few days. All residents have complained to the RWA. We’re dealing not only with air pollution but also with mosquitoes and foul smell. It has become difficult to step out,” added Sharma.Residents have made temporary arrangements to cover some of the open drains with bricks. But others are clogged with plastic and disposable plates due to community feasts organised by the Ram mandir. TOI spoke to an MCG official who said they will get the matter “checked”.

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