Open House: Are you satisfied with the sewerage facility in your area?

Poses a grave health hazard

The sewerage facility in many areas remains unsatisfactory. In Amritsar, frequent overflow of drains in localities like Sultanwind and Putlighar highlights the severity of the problem. During monsoons, waterlogging and untreated discharge into the Tung Dhab drain create unhygienic conditions, spread foul odour and pose grave health hazards. Such inefficiencies not only inconvenience residents but also tarnish the city's historic and cultural image. To address this, authorities must ensure regular desilting and timely repair of pipelines. Modern technologies such as underground sewer networks and decentralised sewage treatment plants should be introduced. Strict monitoring, accountability of municipal bodies and active citizen participation in keeping drains unclogged are equally essential. A clean and efficient sewerage system is not just an urban necessity but also a cornerstone of public health and dignity. With Smart City initiatives and innovative planning, Amritsar can convert this challenge into an opportunity, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable urban future. Preetpal Singh Chhina

Infrastructure is grossly inadequate

From being known as “Sifti da Ghar” to now a city overwhelmed by garbage strewn everywhere, the degradation of Amritsar has been heartbreaking. It feels like no one cares anymore. Politicians and bureaucrats have ruined the city, busy manipulating their own agendas, making reels and fooling the common man. Do we really deserve this? Where has our collective consciousness gone? I reside in the so-called posh colony of GTB Nagar, alongside Kabir Park. The overflowing sewage here is a constant, unpleasant sight. The sewage pipes were probably installed over 50 years ago when the population was much smaller. The infrastructure is grossly inadequate and the stench is unbearable. Heaps of garbage, loose hanging wires, ferocious stray dogs and overflowing gutters are common scenes. The area's infrastructure needs a complete overhaul. Amritsar is supposed to be a smart city. But installing LED lights and interlocking tiles is really the only criteria for being “smart”? Our Municipal Corporation and local administration seem to lack any real vision. What we need is a robust sewage management system not just cosmetic upgrades like LED lights and tiles, which seem to be the only things officials want to spend money on. We need a modern sewerage system capable of handling urban growth for the next 50 years. Electricity wires should be moved underground, stray dogs need to be caught and waste must be cleared regularly. Please, let's not turn Amritsar into a garbage city. Lt col AS Chatha (retd)

System is poorly maintained

I am not at all satisfied with the sewerage facility in my area. The system is poorly maintained and overflowing drains have become a common sight. During rains, sewage mixes with rainwater, flooding streets and creating unhygienic conditions. This not only makes it difficult for residents to move around, but also increases the risk of diseases like dengue and cholera. To improve the situation, the municipal authorities must carry out regular cleaning and desilting of sewer lines. Modern equipment should be used to detect blockages and repair leakages promptly. Strict monitoring is also needed to ensure that the work is done properly. Citizens, too, should act responsibly by not dumping garbage or plastic waste into drains. A well-maintained sewerage system is essential for public health and hygiene. The authorities must take this issue seriously and implement long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. Harpartap Singh

Regular maintenance is need of the hour

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the sewerage facility in my area. The current system is inadequate, leading to frequent blockages and overflows that pose serious health risks. To improve the condition, regular maintenance and cleaning of sewer lines should be undertaken to prevent blockages and overflows. Upgrading the existing sewerage infrastructure to accommodate the growing population and urbanisation is also essential. Efficient waste management practices, including proper disposal of solid waste and recycling, should be implemented. Additionally, community awareness programs can educate residents about the importance of proper waste disposal and sanitation. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for sewage treatment plants, including mandatory reuse of treated water for non-potable purposes, would also be beneficial. Saurabh Sharma

Ranjit Avenue in better condition

We, the residents of D Block, Ranjit Avenue, consider ourselves fortunate as the sewerage, roads, street lights and parks in our area are in better condition compared to most parts of the holy city. Even during heavy and torrential rains, water on the roads in our locality typically clears within an hour. This year, however, due to exceptionally heavy rainfall, certain pockets experienced waterlogging, and a super sucker machine had to be deployed to clear blockages in the sewer lines. As responsible citizens, we must understand that we cannot expect government agencies to handle everything on their own. It is our duty to keep our surroundings clean and ensure that water chambers and drainage channels remain unclogged. We must refrain from throwing garbage into sewer lines, which only worsens the problem. If we truly follow the philosophy that “cleanliness is next to godliness”, issues related to drain water and sewerage can be significantly reduced or even eliminated. Brig Harcharan Singh

Comprehensive audit required urgently

The sewerage system and its disposal in Amritsar, particularly in the North constituency, urgently require a comprehensive audit. Despite an investment exceeding Rs 500 crore under a rejuvenation project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the situation on the ground remains dire. Shockingly, the Municipal Corporation continues to release over 40 million litres of untreated sewage daily into the Tung Dhab Storm Water Drain. This practice not only blatantly violates directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), but also causes extensive environmental damage. The persistent discharge of untreated sewage is contaminating groundwater aquifers, degrading soil quality, and severely affecting air quality in neighbourhoods adjacent to the drain. This poses significant health risks to residents, while simultaneously tarnishing the image of Amritsar - a prominent cultural and religious destination - especially for visitors arriving via the nearby airport and national highways. The root of the problem lies in a disturbing combination of poor planning, lack of execution oversight, negligence in monitoring and apparent misuse or mismanagement of project funds. Additionally, the disregard for NGT orders signals a systemic failure in governance and environmental responsibility. An urgent, independent audit is critical to ensure accountability, rectify implementation gaps and safeguard public health and ecological balance in the region. Yogesh Kamra

Survey to assess needs, population

There is no acute problem as such in the Gopal Nagar area. However, issues do arise intermittently due to the lack of regular cleaning, which leads to clogs in the sewer system. In the short term, regular maintenance and prompt response to complaints for clearing blockages can effectively address these issues. Additionally, residents should be made aware of the importance of proper waste disposal practices to prevent avoidable clogs. For a medium to long-term solution, a comprehensive survey is needed to assess the area's topography, population density, rate of urbanisation, and the current condition of the infrastructure, especially since the pipes and fittings in some segments are three to five decades old. Given the financial constraints, authorities should consider a phased replacement strategy, setting yearly targets to upgrade the system area by area. Furthermore, leveraging the latest technology can help optimise the overall performance and efficiency of the sewerage system. HS Walia