Palampur on brink: Waterways turn to ‘wasteways’ as authorities delay action
With the onset of summer, cases of jaundice and other waterborne diseases are rising rapidly in Palampur. However, the official machinery — particularly the state health authorities and other agencies concerned — has yet to take timely preventive steps. Without swift intervention, the region could face epidemic-like conditions.
To date, no effective measures have been implemented to clean water channels, check sewer overflows or prevent contamination caused by the indiscriminate dumping of garbage into rivers and streams in and around Palampur.
The Bhiral and Mol Khuds, two major tributaries of the Beas passing through Palampur, serve as crucial sources of drinking water for the town’s lower areas. Tragically, these water bodies have been reduced to open garbage dumps. The Irrigation & Public Health (IPH) Department still lifts water from Mol Khud to supply over a dozen water schemes for Rajpur, Patti, Badehar, Naun and Bairghatta, raising serious public health concerns.
Numerous hotels, restaurants and shops lining the banks of these water channels — especially between Lohana and Rajpur — have been openly dumping their waste directly into the streams. The situation is particularly dire near SM Convention Centre, Ram Chowk, Kalu Di Hatti and the left side of Lohana, where piles of garbage are clearly visible. This is happening despite the Municipal Corporation of Palampur having set up a proper garbage collection system.
Shockingly, temporary settlements of migratory labourers along both riverbanks have constructed open toilets, discharging raw sewage directly into the waterways. Yet, no substantial action has been taken by the administration against these violations.
The state Pollution Control Board is reportedly aware of the issue, but has taken little action. The Health Department, which has the authority to penalise offenders, has not fined a single person for polluting water sources, according to official records.
Ashish Sharma, Commissioner of the Palampur Municipal Corporation, stated that door-to-door garbage collection is operational in all 16 wards, with MC vehicles visiting daily. He expressed disappointment that, despite multiple awareness meetings, some residents continue to dump waste in the water channels, tarnishing the town’s image. The MC, in collaboration with NGO Hilldari, is conducting educational campaigns across wards to promote cleanliness.
In a bid to curb the problem, the MC is preparing to launch a campaign to identify and penalise offenders. Additionally, the MC has begun installing six-foot-high steel chain-link fencing along riverbanks within its jurisdiction to prevent further dumping.
During a visit to the affected colonies, this correspondent observed alarming levels of pollution — garbage, polythene, animal carcasses, empty gunny bags and other waste materials were strewn throughout the water bodies.
