Erratic water supply, poor sewerage major issues in poll

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 18

Despite anti-incumbency, the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (SAD-BJP) alliance is looking confident of forming the government in the state for the third time. Leaders and workers of both parties are seeking votes on the development plank but it seems providing the basic civic amenities, including regular water supply and proper sewerage, to city residents remained a Herculean task for the ruling alliance all these years.

Last year, the civic body had faced a number of protests and criticism over the poor maintenance of sewerage and erratic water supply.

Residents are also not happy with the functioning of Triveni Company, which had received the tender for Rs 288-crore sewerage and water supply project

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal held a meeting with officials of the company and instructed them to finish 50 per cent of the work before the imposition of the code of conduct. However, only 30 per cent work has been completed so far.

The Congress has questioned the ruling alliance and termed it as a failed project. Congress leaders are reaching out to the people on the issue and flaying the SAD-BJP government.

Basic civic amenities have become a big issue in the Assembly elections .

It seems that tall claims of the government have fallen flat as nearly 38 per cent population are deprived of water pipeline connects.

Residents of many areas, including Sanjay Nagar, Bangi Nagar, Pratap Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Janta Nagar and Jogi Nagar, are getting water through water tankers.

Residents suffer a lot due to sewage overflow during the monsoon season. The reason behind the overflow of dirty water is said to be old and narrow pipes.

Mohan Lal Jhumba, city president of the Congress, alleged, “An enquiry should be marked into the project as it seems to be a scam in the name of development.”

SAD-BJP candidate from Bathinda (Urban) Sarup Chand Singla said initiating the project was a big achievement for the ruling alliance.

AAP candidate Deepak Bansal said after coming to power, their party would address the problems of sewerage, erratic water supply and sewage overflow on priority.