Tarn Taran border village residents face risk of diseases
Health of residents and live stock is at high risk at village Cheema Kalan, 30 km from here and 2 km from international border, as poor drainage system has polluted the air and ground water. All the drains are connected to a pond which is in a dire state. Rampant weed growth can be seen around the pond.
One of the locals said, “Earlier, when the pond water was released in the nearby defence drain along the border, the liquid waste did not stagnate. However, the pond was further dug under a project to revamp it. But the project failed to be materialise.”
Owing to it the halted project, the liquid waste mixed with and polluted the ground water, used for drinking.
“Many people fell ill after the pond was dug deeper. Also water purifiers are rendered useless within three months due to polluted water,” said resident Bakhshish Singh.
He said, “The risk of snakes entering houses has also increased.The stagnant polluted water has created a foul odour in the area. Streets and drains are also in poor condition”.
Tarn Taran SDM Amandeep Kaur said, “I am not aware of the issue and will ask the concerned block development and panchayat officer to take measures in this regard.”
“The government is making tall claims of ensuring cleanliness. But our village reveals the true story,’ said another resident Gurmeet Kaur.