Ponds yet to be cleaned, Abohar villagers face health hazards

Raj Sadosh

Abohar, July 28

Even as the ruling politicians had last month made tall claims of getting grants released to facilitate the long-pending cleaning of ponds in rural areas, residents of Kandhwala Amarkot are crying hoarse over neglect.

The political leaders had even held “inauguration” ceremony for the work in some villages.

Villagers said the district Health Department had sounded alarm bells against dengue and all symptoms were largely seen in most of the villages in Balluana and Abohar constituencies. “For years together, we have not been provided potable water due to inadequate infrastructure,” said Vikram, a local resident.

Following fresh downpour on Saturday night and Sunday morning, the pond overflew, about two-feet water inundated streets and hyacinth accumulated around houses. Residents are already suffering from problems related to respiration and skin.

Block Development Officer Surinder Dhillon said the grant had been released and work to clean the pond would be started soon. However, Panchayat Officer Ram Lal feigned ignorance about the release of grant. “Work will have to be done under the MGNREGA,” he added.

While the village panchayat said no funds were available to get the pond cleaned or to drain out water, officials claimed the panchayat had raised money by giving its agricultural land on contract basis. Residents said the village had four ponds, land of three was under the illegal possession of some political activists and the authorities had not initiated action despite instructions by the state government.