Several localities receive contaminated water

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 17

Residents of Gopal Nagar, Nehru Colony, New Nehru Colony Jagdambe Colony and Meer Sah are a harried lot as they have been getting contaminated water supply for the last few days. Ravinder Sultanwind, a social activist from Nehru Colony, has alleged that two deaths have been reported in the area due to contaminated water. A large number of residents have been suffering from jaundice but the MC is yet to wake up from its slumber, he says.

“The sewer lines in the area are more than two decades old. Despite repeated request, the MC did not get the sewage lines cleaned. The sewerage often gets chocked and drain water accumulates in several houses. Water contamination is being reported for the last six months. I have requested the officials concerned of the MC to visit the area and fix the issue but no one pays heed. Two deaths have been reported due to jaundice,” he said.

However, MC officials rubbishes such claims.

Tilak Raj, Executive Engineer, Zone 6, said, “I have visited the area and collected samples from some of the houses for laboratory tests. There is no issue of water contamination. We have installed a super suction machine in the main sewage line. We have to dewater the sewer line before cleaning. So the streets were plugged off.”

“I have instructed officials to get the sewage cleaned,” he added.