Epidemic fear looms over Chheharta in Amritsar as sewage overflows

Despite being part of the Smart City initiative, Chheharta area in Amritsar is grappling with a severe sewage problem that has been exacerbated by the rains. Residents in several localities are struggling to come to terms with choked sewerage pipes which have overflowed into the streets, flooding them with a mix of rainwater and sewage.

The foul stench emanating from the stagnant water has forced people to stay indoors and the residents fear an outbreak of diseases due to the unhygienic conditions. Being a low-lying area, residents complained that sewage often flows back and the area is filled with dirty water, making it difficult for them to live in such conditions.

“It’s like living with a nightmare. The stench is unbearable and the water is knee-deep in some areas. We are forced to navigate through the dirty water to access our homes,” said Harpreet Singh, a resident of Chheharta.

The health issues faced by the residents are a major concern, with many complaining of skin infections, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases. “My child has been suffering from diarrhoea for a week and I am sure it is due to the contaminated water. We are living amidst a health hazard,” said Sarita Devi, a mother of two kids.

The residents are demanding that the authorities take immediate action to resolve the problem which has been persisting for long. “We have been complaining about this for years, but nothing has been done. It is shameful that despite being a Smart City, we are struggling with such basic issues,” said Rajinder Kumar, a senior citizen.

The situation is particularly challenging for the residents, who are forced to live in such unhygienic conditions. “We are living in a dirty environment, and it is affecting our health and well-being. We feel embarrassed whenever a relative visits our home,” said Manpreet Kaur, a resident of Chheharta.

“It is a mockery of the Smart City initiative. We are not seeing any smart solutions to our problems. It seems that Chheharta is not a part of the Smart City,” asked another resident while adding that the area seems to be headed for an epidemic outbreak.

Amritsar