Acidic gas release from drainage pollutes environment and also corrodes components of air conditioners, refrigerators and television - Corrosion threat for public in South Delhi

[Valliappan Manickam]

A drain on the pocket, every which way

Whether you are in South Delhi’s posh Defence Colony, in a DDA colony abutting the Barapullah drain, one of the many colonies lining the Najafgarh drain or in Noida’s buzzing Sector 18, you can’t avoid the foul smell emanating from open drains carrying sewage. The uncovered drains not only stink, they also endanger public health and the environment. And with roughly 50 per cent of all drains being uncovered, the problem is huge.

But this was not always the case, according to Manoj Misra of non-government organisation Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan. “These drains were the original tributaries of the Yamuna. They were a part of the natural drainage system of the city. The open drains were never meant to carry waste water, but rapid expansion and inadequate planning made improvised sewers out of them.”

Apart from the environmental damage, the drains are giving NCR residents another reason to complain. Gases emitted by the drains corrode pipes in air-conditioners, refrigerators and television, making gas leaks a frequent problem. Those who live near the drains are forced to spend thousands of rupees every year for refilling the gas.

Article Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/a-drain-on-the-pocket-eve...

Publication Date: 20 Oct 2013

[Dr S B Katoley]

This happens even with the areas previosly used for dumping city waste.There is a classic case of dumping ground reclamation in Mumbai,which now has several buildings housing the commercial eastablishments including the IT companies and BPO centers where the effect of ladfill gases is taking its toll on the electronic equipment.The effects are similar to what is reported for the drains in this blog.

[MAMTA TOMAR]

The main reason is the generation & emission of Hydrogen sulfide gas which emits odor in the environment and create health hazard as well as on oxidation produces sulfuric acids which corrodes the metallic structure especially ACs. There are so many processes available to control this pollution but government must listen patiently and implement. We have an effective Bioremedial method which we have implemented in Palam Drain but to cross the hurdle of bureaucracy is a big question ?........... in India 

[GOPI KANTA GHOSH]

We ignored so long. It is now time to act. There is need for bioconversion before release to drain.