Hisar factory owners rue lack of ‘bare minimum’ amenities

The industry owners in the twin Sectors 27-28 of Hisar town have been demanding “bare minimum” civic amenities such as proper drainage system, potable water and fire services to deal with emergencies for decades.

The industrialists say that the most troubling issue is waterlogging in these industrial pockets as the rainwater remains stagnant in the sectors for about two to three days after every spell of rain in the absence of proper drainage facilities.

They complained that a storm drain was constructed in the area, but no disposal system was provided for efficient operation. The drain is connected to the sewer, which frequently overflows. As a result, even moderate rainfall leads to severe waterlogging, causing inconvenience to the industry owners.

Devender Jain, the president of the Industries Association in Hisar said the problem resurrected every time there was rain. “Even during last night’s spell of rain, most of the areas, including roads remained inundated till this morning. Even a portion at plot number 46 in the sector has been giving a look of a lake since morning,” he said adding that it is unfortunate that they have been taking up the issue with the authorities concerned but no action has been taken to redress their grievances.

Another problem is related to non-availability of drinking water. Another industry owner Ankur Mehta said that underground water was supplied in the industrial sectors to fulfil water needs of the inhabitants. The underground water was not safe and had a TDS level of over 1,500—far above the recommended level of 200—was being supplied to the industrial units. As no water tank was constructed to date, the industrialists are left with no choice but to purchase drinking water, he complained. Mehta also complained about poor cleanliness adding that sanitation in the sector was in a neglected state. “Roads are not swept and garbage collection is irregular. Sanitation workers are hardly seen in the area,” he said.

Devender Jain stated that the sector that was developed nearly 40 years ago by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HSVP) and later handed over to the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), still lacks fire services to deal with fire emergencies. The sector comprises of approximately 200 plots, of which nearly 60 per cent are occupied by the industrial units. “But the absence of fire safety is a major concern. There is no fire station in the sector and the nearest one is 14 kilometres away. In case of an emergency, it takes significant time for fire engines to arrive,” he said. The Hisar Industries Association president said they met the Chief Minister recently and took up the issues plaguing the sector. “Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has assured them to resolve the problems and grievances at the earliest,” he said adding that they have been waiting for the update from the local authorities regarding initiating the process to redress the genuine grievances of the sector.