The clean and fresh ambiance of the Race Course, which attracts hundreds of walkers and joggers everyday, is now being overpowered by the stench emanating from an overflowing drain near the office of the Inspector General of Police. The civic body is yet to look into it.

According to H. Raju, a driver who parks his car near the area, the leakage has been there for more than three days and the water has now almost reached the middle of the road. “This is a major concern for walkers and joggers. They now cover their noses when they cross the area. The stench emanating from the drain water is unbearable,” he said. He further added that it could also spread water-borne infections.

“This is not a rural area. It is right in the middle of a busy place, very near to the office of Inspector General. Many people are affected, especially the drivers and nearby workers who are forced to bear the stench,” said another driver. He further added that the stagnating water also makes it difficult for the drivers to park their vehicles at the allotted area, forcing them to park elsewhere.

A. Manoj, an activist, said that the leakage was probably caused by a crack in the underground drainage system, adding that the problem persists only in the area. “There are no such leakages in the nearby areas, including the Red Fields Road or Sungam. There should be some blockages in the UGD that is causing the leakage,” he added.

Reacting to this, G. Lalithamani, the councilor of Ward 71, under which the area comes, said that she would look into the issue immediately.