Do-or-die stir if hadda rori not shifted: Residents

Mahesh Sharma

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Malerkotla, August 9

Residents of Gobind Nagar and Gandhi Nagar localities situated on the Naudharani road have been upset that their pleas to shift the ‘unauthorised’ hadda rori (carcass disposal site) from their area have fallen on deaf ears.

Despite routine protests and seeking the intervention of higher authorities, the residents have now threatened to launch a ‘do or die’ stir if the hadda rori was not shifted immediately.

The residents sought intervention from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, MP Gurmit Singh Meet Hayer, MLA Malerkotla Zamil Ur Rehman, Chairperson National Green Tribunal, Chairman Pollution Control Board and senior functionaries at Malerkotla Municipal Council to address the ‘hell-like’ situation created due to the unauthorised dumping of animal carcasses by contractors.

Residents led by convener of the hadda rori Chukayo Privar Bachao Committee Ranjit Singh Ranwan said he regretted the local civic body having failed to provide the basic amenities required for a dignified life, which included clean and hygienic environment.

Unauthorised dumping of animal carcasses on the pretext of hadda rori was termed a major reason behind the stray dog menace, air pollution, and risk of spreading dreaded diseases.

“Not only air and water pollution, we have faced an awkward situation when pieces of flesh dropped by birds fell in our eatables,” said Ranwan, regretting that ‘forwarding’ their applications with remarks was the only initiative taken by senior functionaries in the administration and the Municipal Council.

Perusal of action taken reports revealed that in one case, ADC Rajpal Singh had forwarded the complaint received on his email to Aparapar Singh (Executive Officer) of Malerkotla Municipal Council at 5.06 pm on July 25, 2024. The said mail was as such ‘forwarded’ by an executive officer to Sanitary Inspector Gurinderpal Singh the next day with the remarks, ‘Please do Needful’.

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar had also recently issued directives for managing hadda rori in villages across the state.

They directed the officials of all regional offices of the Panchayat Department to conduct a thorough survey within the stipulated period and identify and mark designated sites in their jurisdiction.

Teams of senior personnel from the Pollution Board have also visited the spot; however, no action has yet been initiated.