John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, September 28: Despite ongoing efforts by the Port Blair Municipal Council to combat waterlogging, significant areas of South Andaman were inundated following heavy rainfall today. The recurring issue raises questions about Port Blair Municipal Council’s ability to transition into a smart city.
PBMC areas such as Mohanpura, Telugu Basthi Old Pahadgaon, Austinabad and outer areas likeChouldari, Dhanikhari, and Methakhadi experienced flood-like conditions, resulting in road closures for several hours.
In particular, neighborhoods like Old Pahargaon and Austinabad were severely impacted, with water levels rising to around five feet, making evacuation efforts challenging.
Lower-lying regions including Light House KV1 Area, Dollygunj’s Lok Nath Colony, and JunglighatKhaitan Mandapam General Pool Quarter also witnessed flood-like conditions, forcing residents to remain indoors.
In response to the crisis, fire department and police teams conducted evacuations between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM. A total of 25 people were safely relocated from critical areas. At Austinabad junction, four individuals including an infant were evacuated. At Corbyn Junction, 14 employees of Hollow Block Company were moved to safety. Additionally, seven people — including two females and four children — were evacuated from Old Pahargaon Ram Mandir. Teams from Aberdeen, Marine, and Garacharma fire stations collaborated with police, district administration, and the Port Blair Municipal Council in the evacuation efforts.
Although there were numerous instances of vehicle engine failure due to the flooding, no injuries or casualties have been reported. Such waterlogging once again in city has shown that the PBMC has failed miserably to tackle this problem even in last five six decades.
