Drains and rail tracks – the twin corridors of neglect

It is high time to remind all development authorities, municipalities and local governments to take action regarding two grossly neglected linear corridors that create nuisances in cities and towns: 1) drainage networks, and 2) railway tracks. It is an irony of our system that drains and rail tracks traversing urban settings become breeding grounds for perils. These linear strips are frequently used to dump solid waste by regulating authorities, and the masses follow suit.

The Punjab CM has expressed disgruntlement over the performance of 'Suthra Punjab' for not achieving its foreseen targets. There are gaps in the system, capacity and mode of operation. The entire system rests upon uncalculated strategies and lacks a standardised operational framework.

Over the years, modernisation, rising standards of living, population explosions, technological innovations and rapid urbanisation have drastically increased the generation of municipal waste across domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. Consequently, the otherwise beneficial monsoon turns into a hazard due to informal solid waste dumping, which causes urban runoff to mix with toxic chemicals.

The other area of neglect involves rail tracks, especially those passing through urban settings. Both municipalities and the public dispose of solid waste along these tracks as if they were designated dumping grounds. Since railway stations are centrally located in towns and cities, the vulnerability of these sites to illegal waste disposal increases. Likewise, most downtown neighborhoods sit right along rail lines, which further aggravates the situation. Consequently, informal waste transfer stations along the rail tracks must be immediately removed.

The impoverished localities adjacent to tracks are home to social perils. Since these neighborhoods are neglected in terms of operation and maintenance, social nuisances are highly likely to sprout. Such areas mostly lack streetlights, surveillance cameras and regular police patrolling. Moreover, a lack of education and healthcare, combined with systemic poverty and joblessness, frequently culminates in criminal activities.

The litter-laden rail lines present a grim view on either side of the tracks. Since much of this land is owned by the railway authority, its neglect stems from an evident disowning of institutional responsibility. This issue must be handled with utmost vigilance so that a clear division of responsibilities can contribute toward the desired outcomes.

Similarly, WASA and provincial irrigation departments must develop horizontal linkages with waste management authorities to establish a systematic approach for maintaining and transforming drainage paths.

Due to the neglect of drains and their misuse as waste disposal sites, informal settlements sprout along them, causing land values to drop. Since local authorities show little interest in improving the embankments, upscale neighborhoods adopt defensive planning approaches - such as building high walls to hide the garbage scattered along either side of the channels. However, these barriers cannot block the toxic fumes generated by polluted water. These emissions not only degrade air quality and create foul odors but also corrode metal household fixtures. Consequently, property values plummet, no matter how affluent the locality may be. This environmental degradation ultimately creates a form of spatial apartheid, widening the social divide.

The drainage networks and railway corridors must be managed simultaneously through a comprehensive development programme. Drainage channels should feature paved embankments, bright street lighting and specifically selected bamboo species to mitigate environmental hazards. Waste disposal along drains and rail tracks is a multifaceted challenge demanding coordinated efforts from municipal authorities, businesses and citizens.

To make our cities garbage-free, it is imperative to focus on regulating these neglected channels which act as literal sources of visual nuisance while inflicting severe financial, social, environmental and public health consequences.