Civic neglect, drug abuse trouble residents

Despite its rich legacy and association with well-reputed personalities, Nagoke village feels completely neglected when it comes to essential civic amenities, severely affecting the daily lives of residents. The lack of proper drainage for wastewater and rainwater is one of the most critical problems in the village. Broken roads, garbage dumped at every corner and the absence of drinking water for over 100 families in Nagoke Morh (crossing) add to the village’s distress.

Stagnant wastewater from households, which has remained unaddressed for decades, emits a strong stench. The drains meant for wastewater disposal are clogged with grass and overflowing, having never been cleaned. Residents, including Master Pritpal Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dr Satnam Singh, Dr Sukhjinder Singh, Giani Gurdeep Singh, and many others, report that all five village ponds are waterlogged, yet they have neither been de-silted nor cleaned in many years.

This neglect is not only contaminating underground water but also damaging agricultural land and threatening food safety. The residents report suffering from waterborne diseases and other health issues caused by the environmental hazards. The stagnant wastewater has become a breeding ground for disease-carrying insects and mosquitoes.

The overflowing water floods low-lying homes and open drains, polluting the village atmosphere and causing great nuisance. The situation is especially dire near the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, where stagnant water is a common sight throughout the year. Meanwhile, garbage litters every corner of the village.

The residents have long demanded that the village be connected to a proper nullah for wastewater disposal. Although efforts to address this were initiated years ago, the work remains incomplete. The village roads are also damaged.

Nagoke Morh, infamous for frequent accidents, lacks traffic lights and a permanent police checkpoint. More than 100 families in Nagoke Morh, who have formed a separate panchayat five years ago, still do not have access to drinking water. Drug abuse is another critical issue troubling the residents, with multiple deaths reported, yet there appears to be no effective action to control it.

Amritsar