Palampur water sources turn into dumping sites

Our Correspondent

Palampur, July 28

Despite the looming risk of jaundice and other water-borne diseases spreading during the monsoon season, the state health authorities are yet to take precautionary steps. No appropriate steps have been initiated to clean water sources, check the overflow of sewage, contamination of water channels, dumping of garbage in rivers and streams in and around Palampur so far.

Bhiral and Mol khuds, two major tributaries of the Beas passing through Palampur town, are the major sources of drinking water in the lower areas of Palampur. These have turned into garbage dumps. The Irrigation and Public Health Department lifts water from the Bhiral and Mol khuds, near Rajpur and Thural, for its supply schemes. The waste from hotels, restaurants, shops and residential complexes situated on the banks of these water channels between Lohana and

Kalu Di Hatti is being dumped here.

Labourers residing in jhuggis on the banks of Bhiral Khud near the Palampur-Dharamsala bypass have constructed over 20 open toilets. They also release waste into the water body.

The Health Department seems reluctant to take action against them. Official records reveal that the department has not fined even one person for polluting the water sources.

No action yet

• Bhiral and Mol khuds, two major tributaries of the Beas passing through Palampur, are the major sources of drinking water in the lower areas of the town.
• Waste from hotels, restaurants, shops and residential complexes situated on the banks of these channels between Lohana and Kalu Di Hatti is being dumped here.