Vacant plots pose health hazard to Kharar residents

Our Correspondent

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Kharar, August 30

Thousands of vacant plots lying unoccupied in hundreds of legal and illegal colonies in the town, which came up during recent years, have become a nuisance for neighbours. 

Water stagnating in these plots has become a breading ground for mosquitoes, other harmful insects and snakes. 

With coming up of colonies many people purchased plots as an investment. Thousands of plots in such colonies are lying vacant as their owners are least concerned about the property.  During monsoons the rainwater fills up in these plots. 

There is no arrangement for draining water from these plots as these are much deeper as compared to houses constructed nearby. Congress and wild grass can be seen growing in these plots. 

People even through garbage in vacant plots, which spreads foul smell in the area. Many a time people have complained about the stagnant water and will growth in plots to the Municipal Council (MC), but no appropriate steps have been taken to solve the problem. The maintenance of thousands of plots in new colonies has become a challenge for the MC. 

The fear of dengue, other vector-borne and infectious diseases looms large in the area. According to information no fee is collected by the MC from owners of these vacant plots. In many cases it is even difficult to trace owners of plots. 

When contacted, Rajesh Sharma, Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Kharar, said it was a serious problem. The matter would be discussed in the MC meeting and penalty or no construction charges would be levied on plot owners. 

“Any decision about this will be finally taken by the Municipal Council,” he added.