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Mounds of soil have turned Bistupur’s Diagonal Road into a stinkpot. (Bhola Prasad)
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Diagonal Road in posh Bistupur used to be a crowded, bustling street flanked by numerous shops and garages, but it never resembled a stinkpot.
Three months ago, Jusco started a sewer repair work, digging up mounds of soil and filth. Since then, the already narrow road is further encroached upon by hills of the dug-up soil from the sewage pit.
While passers-by choke on the nauseating smell, shopkeepers continue to inhale a nightmare.
“Three months ago, when the digging work started at a manhole in front of my shop, I was given to understand that the repairing work is major one but will be over within a week. But three months have lapsed,” rued P.K. Choksi, owner of Perfect Electrics at Gajraj Mansion, a major landmark on the road.
Choksi said he and other shopkeepers in Diagonal Road met Jusco officials on the site and asked when the job would be over.
“Instead of giving a straight answer, officials said work was going on and it might take another six months,” Choksi said, adding he felt sick inhaling the stench all day.
Shopkeeper Ramnath Gaur grumbled about the prolonged repair work in front of his shop, Universal Bearing.
“There is mud and foul smell everywhere. Customers hate it. This has taken a toll on our business,” said Gaur.
Jusco officials concerned told The Telegraph that repairs would be over “soon” but did not give a deadline.
“The sewer has a major defect. It is a tough task. But still we are doing the job and it will be over shortly,” said an official not wishing to be named.
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