GANGTOK: Residents of Lumsey, Gangtok, have been battling an overflowing drainage system for over a year, with sewage water flooding the main road, making daily commuting an ordeal. Despite repeated complaints, authorities have yet to take any decisive action, leaving locals frustrated and exposed to severe health hazards.
Pedestrians and vehicles struggle through stagnant, dirty water, which not only disrupts daily movement but also poses a major health risk. The problem stems from a broken drainage system, which has remained unrepaired for months, worsening during heavy rainfall.
“Due to a drainage break, sewage water enters the road, making it very difficult to cross. At times, speeding vehicles splash the dirty water on passersby, which is extremely unpleasant and unsanitary,” said Santha, a daily commuter, urging the authorities to act swiftly.
Several residents echoed similar frustrations, stating that multiple complaints to local authorities and senior administrators have gone unanswered. Parents and teachers have also raised concerns, highlighting that the affected stretch is a key route for students walking to school daily, forcing them to navigate through unhygienic conditions.
Ironically, Lumsey houses several VIP residences, including those of senior IAS officers and politicians. However, since they travel by vehicles, they remain unaffected by the crisis, unlike ordinary pedestrians who bear the brunt of the inconvenience.
Residents are now demanding urgent intervention before the situation worsens further, especially with the impending monsoon season, which could exacerbate the drainage issue and pose even greater health risks.