Threat of epidemic looms large over Hallo Majra

Reeya Pathak/Rohit Yadav
Chandigarh, July 18

Struggling for basic amenities like housing, proper drainage and infrastructure for an indefinite period, Hallo Majra village runs the risk of an epidemic. Overflowing drains and garbage all over the place, sludge filled potholes, waterlogged streets, dilapidated roads, water scarcity and lack of infrastructure is what residents of Hallo Majra face.

With no drainage system the village remains waterlogged. With each passing day stagnant rainwater is turning into breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Residents claim that the authorities are not paying attention to their complaints and their calls to the area councillor go unattended.

In some areas of the village, open drains are overflowing next to shops and houses, which has further aggravated residents’ problems. Owners of shops on either side of the overflowing sewer complained that it had affected their sales as visitors avoided coming to the area due to foul smell.

Delay in covering open drains has raised some serious health concerns too. Mohan Lal, a resident of the area, said, “Our children, who use these roads to go to schools, and other pedestrians are suffering. The filth and faeces in drains has exposed us to infectious diseases.”

Walking on roads in Hallo Majra can give you a nightmarish experience. Once it rains, huge potholes on roads get filled with water, which makes it impossible even to pass by.

Balwinder, a resident of Hallo Majra, said, “Roads in the village have been in pitiable conditions from a long time. Despite complaints no official has visited the area to check pathetic conditions.”

“Many potholes are filled by resident themselves, but the condition of roads is getting worse with each passing day,” he added.

Inundated park

A piece of land, which is supposed to be a park, as per residents claim, is now is teeming with potholes filled with rainwater.Bhushan Kumar, a village resident, said, “This is the same ground, which is used by politicians like Kirron Kher and Pawan Kumar Bansal for their rallies. They never reply to our letters or take action on our complaints. They are here every year to make false promises of turning this ground into a community centre and afterwards we are out of their memory lane.”

“Many parents residing in the area are concerned as their children play in the rainwater on the ground,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bharat Kumar, area councillor, said, “As per my knowledge no one has called me on phone. I visit the village frequently. Situation will be brought under control when I visit Hallo Majra again.”