Talking to Express Newsline, convener of the meeting, R K Goel said that while the problem of encroachment had worsened, water seeped into the houses, especially in areas like Dandiya Bazaar and Makarpura, during the monsoons as the storm-water drains got choked up.

This was the reason why the residents were forced to convene a meeting, Goel said, adding that three resolutions were passed after hearing the problems of the residents.

Among the three resolutions were demand for constructing of a TP road behind Don Bosco School and clearing of storm-water drains and encroachments, Goel said adding, that the resolutions would be handed over to the Municipal Commissioner, the Collector and the State Government on Monday. The residents also expressed their concern for the slum-dwellers of Dhuli Kui who had been asked to evict the area.

According to Goel, the health hazard due to the pumping of raw sewage into storm-water drains also had to be looked into. ``Our prime concern is for for areas like Makarpura where the residents complain of not getting fresh water supply,'' Goel said, adding that though the councillors had been approached to look into the issue, nobody seemed to be interested to do so.

Citing the example of a tank in Makarpura, Goel alleged, ``There is a very old water tank in the area and people have been drinking from it from the past few years, though the water in it is mixed with sewage water.''

He added that the people of these societies would now speak to the Municipal Commissioner and ask him to look into it and take some immediate action.