Mini Chhapar residents anxious over possible outbreak of disease

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Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 18

Residents of Hargobindpura Mini Chhapar, the southernmost village in Ludhiana district, said successive governments had failed to provide them with basic amenities, forcing them to live under inhumane conditions.

While the monsoon is yet to set in the region, scattered pools of overflowing sewage are a common sight, increasing the risk of the spread of water- and vector-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria and dengue.

The dissolution of the village panchayat a few months ago has compounded the issue.

Residents, led by veteran social activist Chitranjan Singh, said the situation had deteriorated on Street 1, near Khalsa School for Girls, Ahmedgarh, where larvae of malaria and dengue vectors had begun breeding, endangering the health and lives of the elderly, children and those suffering from chronic health conditions.

Residents have urged civil administration officials to persuade personnel at Pakhowal Block Development Panchayat Office to come to their aid and drain the stagnant, stinking water before the rains arrived.

“Though we have tried our best to resolve the issue, nothing concrete has been done,” said residents, who regretted their houses had been isolated as they were surrounded by overflowing sewage. They are anxious that the sewage would surely contaminate the drinking water supply, leading to an outbreak of disease.

BDPO Piar Singh stated that Junior Engineer Gurpreet Singh has been advised to visit the site and take appropriate action.