Bahadurgarh industrial estate sinks in swamp of neglect

Factory owners are upset over frequent waterlogging on roads in the Modern Industrial Estate (MIE) Part-A and B of Bahadurgarh town here, blaming it on an inadequate drainage system. “The MIE is one of the oldest industrial areas in Bahadurgarh, where more than 2,500 small-scale factories of various types are being operated. However, the issue of sewer overflow due to improper drainage system has become a serious concern for factory owners, as dirty water accumulates on the roads,” said KK Seth, a factory owner.

Seth further stated that the situation worsened during the rains. “Earlier, the MIE was under the jurisdiction of the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran, but it was handed over to HSIIDC a few years ago. Some years ago, a project was undertaken to strengthen the sewer lines and drainage system in the MIE. However, the sewer overflow remains a pressing problem due to inadequate maintenance and lack of proper cleaning of the lines,” he claimed.

Narendra Chhikara, vice-president of the Bahadurgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), said the factory owners regularly shared pictures and videos in the BCCI’s WhatsApp group to highlight the poor drainage system and recurring sewer overflow to the office-bearers. “We have been consistently flagging these issues not only with the local HSIIDC officers but also with the senior officers at the state headquarters. Although they assure us that action will be taken, nothing is implemented on the ground. In addition to the sewer overflow problem, the factory owners are also grappling with the lack of potable water supply,” he added.

Chhikara further claimed that the factory owners were at present dependent on private suppliers for drinking water. “Factory owners have to purchase water not just for drinking but also for various other industrial purposes. We have repeatedly urged the authorities to ensure the supply of potable water in the MIE so that we are not forced to rely on private suppliers,” he added. Subhash Jagga, general secretary of the Bahadurgarh Footwear Association, said even a mild rainfall leads to sewer overflow, resulting in waterlogging on the roads and at times, the water even enters the factory premises. “Industrialists are also facing a shortage of potable water,” he added.

Shyam Lal, another factory owner, echoed similar voices stating that when the factory owners were paying all taxes then it was the responsibility of the authorities concerned to provide all sorts of basic amenities. Virendra Kadian, assistant general manager, HSIIDC, claimed the drainage system in the MIE was functioning properly, stating that new sewer lines were laid a few years ago. “Even during the rainy season, water is drained out within two to three hours. Since HSIIDC took over the area from the HSVP, the drainage issue has been fully resolved,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the potable water supply, Kadian explained that the HSVP had handed over the MIE to HSIIDC in 2019. “At that time, the HSVP used to supply drinking water, and the supply also continued until about a year ago. At present, potable water is not being supplied by the HSVP. However, HSIIDC has been regularly providing tubewell water to the industrial units,” he added.