Choked sewers, civic amenities go for a toss in Mansa city

Sameer Singh

Mansa, April 15

Residents of Mansa city, the Assembly segment of Health Minister Dr Vijay Singla, are perturbed over choked sewers, broken roads and garbage strewn on the roadsides.

The overflowing sewer has not just led to vector-borne diseases, but also made the day-to-day life of locals difficult due to the stench emanated.

A resident living near Tinkoni said, “Faulty drainage system has affected our lives adversely. Sewers often get choked and sewage spills onto the roads. It becomes a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases. Adequate civic amenities are one of basic things that the government should provide, especially in the constituency represented by the Health Minister. If situation is so deplorable here, one can well imagine how things are in other parts of the state.”

Another resident said, “Surprisingly, the mess is not far away from the residence of the Deputy Commissioner. It has become really difficult for residents to pass through this area.”

Balkaran Singh, a local, said, “Sewage enters water recharge point, thereby polluting groundwater. Cleanliness measures are poor in the city. As garbage is not lifted for weeks, residents are forced to live in filthy surroundings. For a healthy and disease-free atmosphere, the administration must ensure proper hygiene.”

Gurlabh Singh Mahal, another resident, said, “Situation is no different in a majority of the areas in the city. One can see sewage near Court Complex Road, railway crossing (phatak), 33 Feet Road and near Teachers’ Colony.”

The drainage water is used for irrigation purposes in nearby villages, but since water is not required for crops, it has resulted in overflowing of sewers. The administration has to find a permanent solution to the problem, said irked residents.

Mansa Deputy Commissioner Jaspreet Singh said, “I have already conducted a meeting on this issue recently. We tried to find a solution. We will ask Talwandi Sabo Power Limited thermal power plant to start using this water. Cleaning of sewers will be done on a frequent basis.”