Despite historic significance, poor drainage plagues Kaler village

Kaler village, home to the revered Ram Tirath Temple — also known as Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan is facing multiple problems, with the lack of a proper drainage system being the most pressing issue. The village’s infrastructure has failed to keep pace with its growing needs, leaving residents to bear the consequences of poor sanitation and hygiene.

The absence of an adequate drainage system has led to the accumulation of wastewater and sewage, creating an unhygienic environment that poses serious health risks to the villagers. The situation worsens during the monsoon season when streets and homes are often flooded with dirty water.

“Whenever the two ponds in the village fill to capacity, the dirty water accumulates on the streets and roads. This not only creates unhygienic conditions but also damages the roads,” said Gurmukh Singh, the Sarpanch of the village. He added that they have approached local authorities and the government to seek a solution by setting up a proper drainage system to divert the dirty water out of the village.

Former Sarpanch Partap Singh pointed out that the only solution is to drain the wastewater into the Khiala Kalan village drain. This can happen only after the government takes up the matter and releases funds for the construction of pucca drains leading to the Khiala Kalan drain.

“Kaler village takes pride in the fact that its land was acquired for setting up the Ram Tirath Temple, also known as Paavan Valmiki Sthal, which significant for the Hindu community, and visited by people of other faiths as well. Ideally, it should have been developed with world-class infrastructure, but it has been ignored by successive governments,” said Ranjit Singh, a village resident.

Apart from this, the villagers have also demanded the construction of a stadium in the village. “We have passed a resolution regarding this and have raised the issue with the government,” said Gurmukh Singh.

Daler Singh, another villager, pointed out that the ground usually remains submerged in dirty water. He said that once a stadium is constructed, it would help the village youth participate in sports activities.

The villagers also requested the upgradation of the primary school so that girls in the village do not have to travel far to attend higher classes.