Dilapidated water tank poses threat to residents

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, May 19

The 100-year-old Civil Hospital water tank that falls in the Islamaganj area here (just behind the hospital) is posing a severe threat to residents in its vicinity.

Residents say that despite having filed repeated complaints with the hospital authorities regarding the dilapidated condition of the tank, which could fall anytime, no action had been taken by the authorities.

They said the authorities concerned had closed their eyes on the issue without having any effective mechanism in place. Also, it seems that they are waiting for some mishap to take place to wake up from their slumber. Even knowing that the monsoon is approaching and that the risk is usually high in the season, no efforts could be seen to demolish the tank.

Meanwhile, apart from a residential colony situated in the area, there is a temple (Shiv Mandir) at its very left. Many shops fall in front of the tank and even a family lives under the tank in the vacant area. People are aware of the threat being posed by the water tank, owned by the Civil Hospital, but the hospital authorities seem to be unaware of the issue, said Rajeev Thukral, a resident of the area.

“The tank is in a bad condition and its pillars are shaky which give a clear indication of its bad state, but the authorities concerned are still not bothered,” he added.

Anshdeep Singh, another resident, said, “I gave a letter to the hospital officials regarding the demolition of the tank. We have been protesting for long for the same, but no notice for the repair or demolition action has been received from the authorities. Moreover, hardly any official has visited it to check its status.”

Civil Surgeon Dr Jaspreet Kaur Sekhon said, “A letter declaring the tank as unsafe has been sent to the higher authorities and we are waiting for the response from the officials.”

Varun Roojam, MD, Punjab Health Systems Corporation, said, “We will definitely look into the matter.”