Old sewerage system chokes as population rises manifold across state
Towns across Haryana, including Hisar, Bhiwani, Jind, and Fatehabad, are reeling under the burden of an outdated and poorly maintained sewerage system. Residents are grappling with persistent issues such as overflowing sewer lines, waterlogging, and contaminated water supplies, which have worsened over time. The lack of tangible solutions, despite protests and promises, has left citizens frustrated and angry.
In Hisar, localities such as Navdeep Colony, Mahavir Colony, Urban Estate, and even the posh areas of Green Park and Shyam Vihar have suffered from prolonged waterlogging and sewer backflows. Patel Nagar, where sewer lines were installed in the 1950s, has become a glaring example of infrastructural neglect. The population in the area has gone up three times since then, leading to blockages and contamination of drinking water.
Navdeep Colony resident Ram Kumar Sheoran said, “We have been filing complaints for months. Even after taking up the matter to the Central Public Grievances Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), nothing significant has changed. We were assured a resolution within 30 days, but the situation remains the same.”
Adding to the chaos, unauthorised dairies in residential neighborhoods have been discharging waste into the sewer lines, further clogging the system. Hisar’s outgoing Mayor Gautam Sardana expressed his disappointment with the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), “A Rs 56 crore plan was proposed to overhaul the sewerage system, but it remains on paper. I have urged the authorities to bring the PHED under the Urban Local Bodies Department for better accountability, but no action has been taken.”
Bhiwani residents have echoed similar sentiments. In Ward 3’s Rajiv Colony, the residents have been dealing with overflowing sewers and streets submerged in dirty water for over three months. Protests erupted as locals demanded immediate action. Satbir, a resident, voiced his frustration, “We are tired of complaining. The authorities do not seem to care. Our streets are filled with sewage, making life unbearable.”
In Fatehabad, residents of Ashok Nagar staged a protest at the Public Health Department office, demanding solutions for month-long sewer overflows. “We were promised that the issue will be resolved in 15 days,” said Suresh Kumar, a resident. “But we’ve heard these promises before, and nothing has changed. We are skeptical this time as well.”
Independent MLA from Hisar, Savitri Jindal, who inspected Old Sabzi Mandi Chowk, one of the worst-hit areas in the town, said the sewerage system needs to be overhauled. “This situation is unacceptable. Clogged drains and overflowing sewers not only inconvenience residents but also pose serious health risks. I have directed officials to take immediate remedial measures,” she stated.
Former Municipal Councillor Bhup Singh Rohilla criticised the neglect and unfulfilled promises of the authorities: “Residents are fed up. Streets submerged in sewage and waterlogged roads have become the norm. I have raised the issue several times in the Municipal Corporation meetings, but no action has been taken.”
Opposition leaders have also condemned the government for failing to prioritise urban infrastructure. Local leader Amit Grover highlighted the misplaced priorities: “The government spent crores on erecting replicas of national monuments at Hisar chowks, yet it cannot provide residents with a basic sewerage system. During the recent Assembly elections, we conducted the ‘Vikas Khojo Abhiyan’ to expose these failures.”
With sewerage systems unable to keep pace with the rapidly growing population, the situation demands urgent attention. Until significant steps are taken, the people of Haryana will continue to bear the brunt of the infrastructural crisis.
