Express Impact | Human rights panel takes suo motu notice of water crisis in Mohali housing colony

With taps running dry amid rising temperatures, residents have been forced to rely on water tankers and bottled water for drinking and sanitation. “Water either doesn’t reach our homes or comes at such a low pressure that it’s practically unusable,” a resident was quoted as saying.

Despite repeated complaints, residents alleged, the Punjab Water Supply Department failed to repair or replace the damaged pipeline. “Water is a basic necessity. We are being forced to buy tanker water, but this is not a permanent solution. The government must replace the old pipeline immediately,” another resident said.

The colony also houses key government offices, including the Phase 8 police station, Women’s Police Station, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Vigilance Department. The pipeline, residents claimed, was damaged during nearby road construction.

While Executive Engineer Michael from the Water Supply Department said the pipeline had been repaired and tankers were being sent regularly, residents maintained that the supply remained inconsistent and insufficient.

In its order, the Human Rights Commission has directed the Chief Engineer, Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab, and the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Mohali, to file a report a week before the next hearing. “A copy of the order, along with a copy of the news item, be sent… through e-mail and by post for compliance,” the Commission said.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on July 2. The Commission’s suo motu action comes amid a broader pattern of water-related complaints in Mohali, where several areas have reported low pressure and irregular supply in recent weeks.