Seechewal ultimatum on Kala Sanghia drain

The delegation submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar pointing out that on February 22,2008,the district administration in a meeting with representatives of people of various villages located on both sides of both drains had promised to stop the discharge into the drain within 30 days. But even after 32 months dirty water is being discharged at 12 outlets into the drains.

Deputy Commissioner Priyank Bharti today ordered the Drainage department to register FIRs against officials responsible for the delay.

Baba Seechewal said the delay was deliberate on the part of the officials and this can have an adverse impact on agriculture and health of the people in the Malwa region and Rajasthan as the water of the drains flows into the Sutlej and the rivers crosses these two region. He said the administration should take corrective steps and treat the people and give them compensation. Sarpanch of Rupewali village,Kewal Singh,said six people from his village died as result of the high toxicity in the water,land and air in the region.

An earlier survey of the area,on the orders of Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC),had shown that in the densely populated areas close to the drain people suffer from scabies,eye diseases etc.

In February 2008 people from 19 villages along with Baba Seechewal had taken blocked the flow of dirty water into the drain near leather complex in Jalandhar.