Residents stare at epidemic scare

Lovleen Bains

Doraha, January 9

Sewer accumulation in Dashmesh Nagar for the last 17 days has assumed dangerous proportions as the moment water is evacuated, it starts accumulating again thus posing epidemic threat to residents of the area.

The residents rue –“We are not bothered about whether it is the responsibility of MC or GLADA. Is it our duty to check? What is the council meant for? We are paying user fee of water supply and sewerage to the council and not to the GLADA.” 

Another resident said, “Employees of the council are not aware of our plight- we are putting up with filth, foul smell and deplorable conditions for the last 17 days. The government has completely failed in its motive of providing health and hygiene to its people. The cleanliness part has been simply thrown to the winds and our repeated pleas have always fallen on deaf ears.”

“The council has to create and assure live able hygienic conditions for its residents, but it has simply failed to deliver. We have been asked to meet the GLADA officials. We are paying the water supply and sewer charges to the council and it is the council which should be, in all ways, accountable to us,” rued a townster.

Executive Officer of Municipal Council of Doraha, Sukhdev Singh, when contacted said the water treatment plant was under the purview of GLADA and it was their responsibility to evacuate as well as make necessary arrangements to resolve the issue. “Though it is not our responsibility, still we are doing our best by keeping two motors regularly functional so that surplus water is evacuated as and when it accumulates,” he added.

SDO GLADA Rajesh Mahajan said, “The problem is of blocked sewers and it is the duty of the council (which is collecting water supply and sewer charges), to clear the blockage.”