Overhead tanks to go

Constructed over three decades ago, overhead tanks in east Delhi are in ruins and can collapse any time.

The authorities seem to have forgotten about the overhead tanks, which have been occupying a lot of space. Some residents claim that the overhead tanks in this area were never even used.
As people get piped water, the tanks have become obsolete and have become an eye sore for the residents.
There are around 13 such overhead tanks in this area. "There is no use of lodging complaints as the authorities remain negligent. We have filed several complaints till now and are waiting for the authorities to act," said S R Sangar, secretary general, Federation of IP Extension 2 Housing Societies.
Many residents have been asking the authorities to demolish these tanks and use the space for a beneficial purpose. "The authorities should take this matter seriously. These tanks are a big trouble and need immediate attention," said PL Malhotra, vice -president, Preet Vihar D block RWA.
Kanwal Sachdeva, a resident of Surajmal Vihar said, "Overhead tank in our area has been lying unattended for a long time. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) must do something in this regard as soon as possible."
The overhead tanks are either located in parks (Dayanand Vihar, Surajmal Vihar and Preet Vihar) or inside the colonies (Anand Vihar and Gagan Vihar).
Sangar added, "We have raised this issue various times in Bhagidari meetings. In the meeting held on January 7, MP Sandeep Dixit and MLA Naseeb Singh supported us. The DJB also said that they are trying to search for an agency for getting the tanks demolished. However, nothing has happened as yet."
Subhash Chand, chief engineer, DJB (East) said, "We have surveyed all the overhead tanks in Delhi and made a note of it. Since they are not in use, they are soon going to be demolished. The work of demolition is under the project wing of the DJB. So, we have sent the details to the project wing and they are in the process of finding a specialised expert agency, who will demolish these tanks. As soon as they get an agency, these will be demolished."
"As it was very difficult and uneconomical to use these tanks, these were not used. Instead, new technology was introduced for supplying water to the residents," added Chand.

Worst hit
• New Rajdhani Enclave
• Gagan Vihar
• Swasthya Vihar
• Preet Vihar
• Anand Vihar
• Dayanand Vihar
• Surajmal Vihar
• Hargobind Enclave
• AGCR colony

--Priyanka Narula