Barwala: Relief from fly menace but need for proper sewerage system

“Our top priority was to get rid of these flies, as they have been tormenting us. Although the problem continues, the situation has improved to some extent in the last few months,” said Sandeep, a resident of Barwala.

The residents highlight that stress is being laid on ensuring sanitation in the area. “Villagers are encouraged to put garbage in trolleys, from where it is collected and dumped regularly,” Sandeep added.

The lack of a proper sewerage system was the main problem in this sub-tehsil with a population of over 10,000. “We have written a letter to higher authorities for devising a proper sewerage system, and the task will be executed in the next few months. Funds of around Rs 5 crore have already been sanctioned to develop the drainage system for the village,” said MLA Gupta.

A long-pending demand of the residents was fulfilled after a bus stop was built. A community centre was built at a cost of Rs 80 lakh.

A sub-tehsil office building is under construction at a cost of Rs 4 crore. Among other projects in the pipeline is beautification of Barwala chowk for which funds of Rs 4.5 core have been kept aside. “We will also start a 25-bedded hospital in the government school building, which has been lying vacant after the school was shifted to other site. The proposal is under consideration,” said Gupta.

The village is also a part of the ‘open defecation free’ campaign being run by the district administration, under which several awareness programmes have been held to encourage residents to build toilets.

“We are relieved as the administration has toughened its stand against poultry farm owners. Now sanitation is being maintained. But the area needs adequate street lights and some roads need to be built. We have given the proposal to MLA, and he has assured that it will be taken up soon,” said sarpanch Baljinder Goel.