Cleanliness still a distant dream for EWS Colony

Despite the city securing a 34th rank out of 75 cities in a survey on cleanliness under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan earlier this year, the municipal corporation (MC) has failed to ensure cleanliness in Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Colony and adjoining areas on Tajpur Road, where the risk of water borne and vector borne diseases is high. 

A visit to the EWS Colony and adjoining areas showcased the filthy conditions on the streets with garbage dumped openly in various areas, becoming a breeding ground of flies. Also, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water on the damaged roads due to choked sewer system and heaps of garbage are piled up at every nook and corner of the area. 

The residents told HT that no campaign for cleanliness has been conducted in the streets, despite the authorities concerned being aware about the poor sanitary conditions.

A resident Jeetu Kumar said, “The unlivable condition in the area has made our lives difficult as the MC never paid attention to improve the sanitary conditions. The blockage in sewer system leads to water accumulation on the roads, which have not been repaired or recarpeted for a long time. The foul smell creates more nuisance in the area.”

 The residents said they have requested several times to the councillor from ward 7, Gurpreet Singh Gora, to get their grievances redressed, but in vain.

Another resident Shubham Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the campaign at national level but the civic body has always ignored their area.

“The sewerage water gets accumulated outside the houses. Lack of cleanliness leads to risk of catching various health problems”, he said.

To avoid the breeding of mosquitoes, the civic body has not started any fogging in the area. Also, no steps have been taken to provide shelter to stray animals.

MC teams visited four months ago

Showcasing lack of apathy, MC councillor Gurpreet Gora said it was only four months ago that they had paid a visit for the cleanliness drive, adding that it was nothing but a formality to get the photos clicked.

“However, I will ensure to redress the problem of sewer blockage in the colony”, he said.

MC’s additional commissioner cum chief of health branch Rishipal Singh was not available for comment.

Meanwhile, chief sanitation officer Amir Singh Bajwa said they have not received any complaint from the councillor about unsanitary conditions at EWS Colony. “We have recently conducted the cleanliness drive in the park of EWS Colony. Our team will visit the area on Tuesday morning.”