Officials to inspect if RWAs harvesting rain

Dear Mr. Vohra ji,

You are right and always ! It is true how the RWAs could be held responsible? Notwithstanding, I would like to mention that when the MCD (now EDMC) constructed the storm water drains in our colony, we had suggested two things (i) to give a slope to the entire drain-line so that the water could be channelized properly and will lead to a greater storage space and thereby save the precious rain water and (ii) punch the concrete base of the drainage so that the accumulated water could drain itself to mother earth, which is also a measure of rain water harvesting. Despite repeated pleas, they had not listened to either of the suggestions. As a result water gets accumulated in the storm water drains with silt and become a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes which has been shown to the authorities concerned as well! At our repeated request they(the EDMC) do some cosmetic treatment by taking out the silt under the drainage accumulated over a period of time, before the onset of monsoon and claim that they have done an wonderful service by doing so!

Even now the EDMC instead of doing all this useless work under the banner of 'rain water harvesting' (when there is no rain at all), punch the base of the storm water drains already constructed with a concrete base on sides as well as at the bottom, the accumulated water could seep down to earth and only silt has to be removed from time to time to make it functional. Will the authorities listen to this suggestion! We pray to the Almighty!!

Incidentally, I would like to mention yet an another important aspect relating to 'colony security'. Is it not the sole and whole responsibility of the Police authorities to ensure the 'safety and security' of people and their properties? If so, why the RWAs are forced to make their own arrangements to secure the colony by engaging 'security guards - chowkidars', put up iron gates at the entry and exit points of the colony and guard them too, arrange to provide CCTVs at vantage points etc. In case the Police dept. is having a shortage of personnel to do its sole and basic job, which plea they often take without any logic or base and which has been questioned too by Courts, let them reimburse the expenditure being incurred by the RWAs on this account which is substantial and has to be squeezed from the residents with a beggars bowl by the RWAs! Will it not be constitute a justifiable PIL before the court. Your comments pl. I would suggest this cause should be taken up collectively with the authorities concerned and pleaded in the Courts of Law!

With deep regards,

TK Balu/Anand Vihar