CENT OF SOME 85 PER HOUSES INDIVIDUAL TED ARE CONSTRUCER WITHOUT PROP DRAINAGE
According to Sharma, many times the architectural plans are not abided by, while non-engi neered houses do not make septic tanks and soak pit for drainage. He further says that due to ineffective monitoring, house owners attach their drainage directly to the sewers, which is illegal and creates problems for the environment.
While the network of sewers are not available everywhere, Sharma informs, “If a sewerage network is found around the construction area, the general trend is to attach the pipeline directly.“ Explaining that directly connecting drainage is illegal, he says, “Sewage or waste water from households should be dumped in septic tanks, after they fill, the overflow water goes to the soak pit and then only the treated water without solid waste should be discarded in the sewers.“
Architect Uttam Shrestha informs, “It takes at least Rs 200,000 to construct a septic tank and Rs 100,000 for soak pit and Rs 25,000 for other connecting pipes for a household of around six family members. To cut costs, house owners avoid this stipulation and search for easy ways like directly dropping sewage into rivers or open sewers.“ Septic tanks are built according to the number of users while septic tank are made up of reinforced cement concrete, bricks, sand, and other materials.
According to Shrestha, house owners themselves will suffer in the long run if a proper and sustainable drainage system is not constructed. He further suggests making both septic tank and soak pit compulsory in order to avoid hassles afterwards like odour, blockage and overflow. “We advise and try to convince house owners to build proper drainage systems while setting up the foundation. As KMC has clearly mentioned that it is the sole responsibility of the consulting firm, we are mandating them to follow the proper plans for the house during construction. Nowadays house owners seem more aware and most customers who come to us make the proper drainage system according to the law.“ He also warns house owners who try to dodge the law in a bid to save a little money during construction that they might face bigger difficulties in the future which could cost a whole lot more. “If septic tank and soak pit are not made according to the house plans, there may be problems later and KMC can check and penalise house owners,“ he informs.
According to experts, lack of central drainage system, water treatment plants and proper monitoring by the authorities has affected the entire drainage system in the valley. Sharma says, “Many individual houses are built without the supervision of engineers, and workers themselves plan and work, but all the terms of the site map cannot be decoded by the workers. This ultimately ends up by creating problems as the building advances with age.“ He explains, “With supervision, the work can be done smoothly and construction become sustainable. People don't hire experts to reduce the cost but end up spending more in other expenses later when damage is detected.“
Experts also suggest not throwing inorganic materials in drains which can block the free flow of water. Sharma advises to clean and check drains once a year before monsoon.
Source:thehimalayantimes