Panel formed to study plans for Tung Dhab drain redevelopment

Despite repeated promises made during the past elections, there has been no concrete progress on addressing the issue of Tung Dhab drain. The residents of several colonies along the bypass continue to battle severe health issues due to the foul smell and polluted water from the Tung Dhab drain.

The open drain originates near the bypass and passes through more than 100 residential localities, including Mahal village, Gumtala, Jujhar Singh Avenue, Ajnala Road, Defence Colony, Holy City, Swiss City, Gobind City, Anmol Enclave, DS Estate, Baba Darshan Singh Colony, Rose Avenue and Ashok Vihar. Residents of these areas report recurring cases of typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, kidney stones, and other water-and air-borne diseases attributed to the toxic waste flowing through the drain.

During election campaigns, leaders of various political parties, including Member of Parliament Gurjeet Singh Aujla and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, promised a complete overhaul of the drain. However, nearly three years after the elections were held, no significant steps have been taken.

Concerned residents pointed out that access to clean water has become a major issue, forcing many households to install borewells over 500 feet deep, an unsustainable and worrying trend. Residents have urged the administration to expedite efforts and end years of neglect that have turned the drain into a public health hazard.

Officials of the district administration stated that a committee has been formed to evaluate the Tung Dhab drain redevelopment. Multiple departments are involved, and a detailed report has been sought. A decision will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations.

Residents have urged the administration to expedite the efforts and end years of neglect that have turned the drain into a public health hazard.