Yamunanagar industrialists feel let down

Shiv Kumar Sharma

The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) has not been able to upgrade the basic infrastructure in the old industrial area and the industrial estate in Yamunanagar.

Industrialists have to bear with the poor condition of internal roads, chocked sewerage, poor sanitation and non-functional streetlights. They have protested against these problems time and again, but the HSIIDC has done nothing to improve the basic infrastructure in the industrial area and the industrial estate situated close to each other in Yamunanagar. 

“We have complained of poor sanitation, choked sewers, broken roads, drains and non-functional streetlights several times, but to no avail,” says Pulkit Ajmani, a businessman. The industrialists say that they pay taxes to the state government and maintenance charges to the HSIIDC and 5 paisa per unit on electricity bills to the Municipal Corporation, but they are still deprived of even the basic amenities. The condition of internal roads is very bad and potholes make transportation difficult.

“Roads in the old industrial area and the industrial estate are in a deplorable condition. Layers of charcoal on most of the roads have completely disappeared. All roads have developed potholes. During the rainy season, these potholed roads get flooded and industrialists and their workers face difficulties in reaching their factories,” says another industrialist.

He says that dust from the dilapidated roads keeps flying all the time, making vehicle driving difficult. “The basic infrastructure, including roads, sewerage and drains, were constructed here about 15 years ago, but successive governments did not pay attention to the repair and construction of roads and other basic amenities,” says another industrialist.

He adds the government should provide better infrastructure in the industrial area and the industrial estate in Yamunanagar for the development of the industry. Most of the streetlights installed there are non-functional. Sometimes, miscreants loot factory workers during night. “Streetlights seldom function and the area is not safe during night,” says Subhash Chand, a factory worker.

Gursharan Singh Chawla, president of the Industrial Estate Association, Yamunanagar, says that for long, industrial units are facing a number of problems such as poor roads, choked sewerage, dysfunction streetlights and poor sanitation. Local MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora is serious about solving these issues. “Now, we are hopeful that with the help of Yamunanagar MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora, we shall get all basic facilities in the industrial area and the industrial estate in near future,” says Chawla.

Hari Chand, senior manager, HSIIDC, Yamunanagar, says that Rs 20.75 crore has been sanctioned for improving roads, sewerage and drains in the old industrial area of Yamunanagar. “Tenders have been invited for the construction of roads, sewerage and drains in the old industrial area. Once the tenders are finalised, the construction work shall start soon,” he adds. Hari Chand says that all roads will be constructed of cement and concrete instead of charcoal. Besides, streetlights will be strengthened and a new water tank will be constructed in the industrial area.

He adds that a proposal of Rs 5.40 crore to improve the basic infrastructure in the industrial estate has been sent to the government. “The government is keen to provide basic facilities to industrialists,” says Hari Chand.