6 days on, water supply to Thapar Colony restored

Residents of Thapar Colony, situated on the premises of JCT Mill, heaved a sigh of relief on Saturday after drinking water supply was restored following nearly six days of disruption. The restoration came after the intervention of Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, MLA, Phagwara, and president of the Kapurthala District Congress Committee.

Visiting the colony, Dhaliwal condemned the withdrawal of essential services like water and electricity from thousands of residents, calling it inhuman and unacceptable in a democratic society. “The Congress will never tolerate such actions,” he said, lashing out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, local administration, and ruling party leaders for failing to address the crisis.

Nearly 3,000 people, including women, children, elderly, and the sick, live in Thapar Colony. Dhaliwal noted that cutting off electricity and water in sweltering heat and humidity was unjustifiable. He added that if JCT Mill management had any unpaid dues, punishing poor workers and their families was not the solution.

The disruption began abruptly on August 4. On being informed through councillor Tarunjeet Singh Bunty Walia, Dhaliwal contacted the administration, resulting in the resumption of water supply. Residents will receive water for one hour each in the morning and evening to meet daily needs.

Efforts are also underway to restore the electricity supply, with formal letters sent to the Chief Secretary, Director of Local Bodies, Labour Department, and Deputy Commissioner of Kapurthala. Dhaliwal assured the residents that power would be restored soon and warned that the Congress was prepared to launch a struggle if workers’ human rights were further violated.

Residents, led by INTUC union president Dharminder, expressed gratitude to MLA Dhaliwal and councillor Walia for their efforts. Several local leaders and residents were present during the visit.

Jalandhar