Upset at poor drainage, Chati residents protest outside PWD office

Rampur Bushahar, March 1

People of Chati and surrounding areas protested today on the office premises of the Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department, Rampur Bushahr. The Himachal Kisan Sabha and the local panchayat alleged that thousands of people were facing problems due to improper drainage system on the road in Chati under the PWD Executive Engineer, Nirmand Mandal.

A protester said due to blockage of drainage and embankment, the road was frequently getting filled with muddy water, due to which movement becomes difficult, especially for pedestrians and children.

He added that that water was entering people’s houses, streets and fields, resulting in a lot of damage. He added that the government and the ministries concerned were giving protection to officials who were promoting corruption.

He said the Executive Engineer of Rampur Public Works Department had been given reappointment yesterday after retirement. There was a lot of anger among people due to this.

He said the actions of such officers should be investigated by an impartial agency. However, the government was trying to suppress the voice of people by reemploying such officers and keeping them in the same place and on the same post.

Kisan Sabha secretary Rampur Kuldeep Dogra said after the protest, Executive Engineer Nirmand Mandal assured them that the problem would be resolved by March 5.

Panchayat head Jagat Khana Satish Kumar said for a long time, people were facing many problems due to the lack of drainage of water flowing in the Chati road under Jagat Khana Panchayat.

Nirmand Mandal Executive Engineer said today, people had come to the office of the Superintending Engineer and that their grievances were heard.

He added that the department had made a culvert for water drainage, which was closed by people of the area.