CHILDREN IN BHAGU VILLAGE FORCED TO WADE THROUGH WASTEWATER TO REACH SCHOOL

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

For nearly a year, residents of Ward No. 1 in Bhagu village (part of the Balluana Assembly constituency) have been grappling with a persistent wastewater drainage problem. The situation is so dire that even stepping out of their homes has become difficult for residents. Meanwhile, schoolchildren are forced to navigate their way to school while trying to avoid this contaminated water. Villagers fear that the long-standing accumulation of polluted water poses a risk of disease outbreaks in the area. The situation speaks volumes of ground realities about the Health Department’s concern on the spread of Dengue.

Villagers, including Madan Lal, said that wastewater has been stagnating in front of their homes for about a year. Two village ponds designated for drainage have long been choked with water hyacinths. Due to the hyacinths and accumulated filth, the ponds’ capacity to hold water has diminished; consequently, wastewater flowing from homes collects in the streets instead of draining away. This beats the state govt’s claims on cleaning the ponds.

Children frequently find their clothes and shoes ruined by the dirty water. Additionally, the elderly, women, and two-wheeler riders face significant difficulties while traversing this route.

Villagers state that the Gram Panchayat cites a lack of available grants for development works as the reason for the inaction. They allege that their grievance is not being taken seriously.