Sewage overflow almost ubiquitous

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 6

Sewage overflow in various parts of the city has become a headache for city residents.

Though residents have protested against the Municipal Corporation (MC) over the issue and have given various written complaints many times, no concrete step has been taken so far by the MC authorities.

Recently, sewage overflow was reported from Dubey Colony, Street No 37, Model Town Phase-3 residential area and on the national highway near Haji Rattan Chowk to the Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital.

Councillor Harvinder Singh said, “For the past several months, we have been facing the problem of sewage overflow at Dubey colony. Many a time, we have intimated the Municipal Commissioner and Mayor regarding the problem, but to no avail.”

It has become almost impossible to drive vehicles in residential areas. Moreover, the areas emanate a foul smell.

Joginder Singh, a shopkeeper at Haji Rattan Chowk, said, “For the past several days, sewage overflow on the road leading to the Civil Hospital has made our lives miserable. Many a time, we have intimated the MC officials, but in vain.”

He added that it had become a huge task to cross the stretch with children to reach their shops. Due to this problem, customers also avoid visiting the shops.

Kuljeet Singh Brar, a resident of Model Town Phase-3, said, “Interestingly, it has become a routine that till the time residents don’t stage protest against the MC authorities, the latter don’t act on the issue.”

Besides, the authorities concerned have to understand that people are also not that free to hold protest, he added.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath said, “I have instructed officials to resolve the sewage overflow issue at the earliest. Besides, the Dubey Colony sewage issue has been resolved.”