‘Wetland’ in Sector 49 leaves residents in deep waters

CHANDIGARH: Even though the water level has gone down significantly in Sukhna Lake, city’s main water body, an unwanted ‘

wetland

’ has been flourishing on an empty land in

Sector 49

for the past 10 years. This ‘pool’, which holds water round the year, has become a source of numerous health and hygiene problems for residents of the area.

The residents claimed that even though the problem exists for the past 10 years, the municipal corporation has never cared to drain out the water. The accumulated water causes unbearable stench, forcing people to keep doors and windows of their houses closed throughout the day.

Awdhesh Singh, a resident of the area, said, “Every year, people in the locality suffer from dengue as mosquitoes get a perfect breeding ground in the accumulated water.”

R K Datta, another resident, said, “People dump garbage on the land which keeps flowing in the accumulated water. While the water takes months to dry up, residents suffer throughout the year.”

The footpath on the road also lies broken due to which rainwater gets collected on the stretch. Residents claimed that the area has also turned a haven for drug addicts who sit there for hours without fearing cops. The land is adjacent to a public park which witnesses a huge footfall during the evening. But the authorities still do not care to get the place cleaned, they added.

Sahil Mehta, another resident, said, “There have been several instances when snakes and deadly insects have entered residential premises, creating panic among people.” The residents have written twice to the municipal corporation and the area councillor on the issue, but nothing has changed so far.

Kulwant Sahai, a resident, said “It has been years that I have sat in my balcony. The stinking water is an eyesore for the people. We see this filth every day and wonder when the site will be cleaned. Addicts take shelter behind the bushes to consume drugs and alcohol. Residents fear rise in criminal activities in the presence of such miscreants.”

An

RTI

was also filed by a resident in the area seeking specific details of the owner/ caretaker of the land. “Since we did not receive any help from the officials in municipal corporation, we decided to approach the department to know who owns the vacant land. However, the details are still awaited,” said R K Datta.

“The authorities must construct a drainage point to drain out the accumulated water. Secondly, action should be taken against litterbugs,” said Mohan Singh, a resident of Goodwill society.