Ludhiana Residents Stage Protest Over Decade-Long Sewage Crisis
Frustrated residents of Dhoka Mohalla in Ludhiana, supported by local Congress councillors, organized a picket at the municipal corporation's Zone-D office on Monday. The protest targeted what they described as a decade of indifferent local governance and persistent sewage overflows that have severely impacted their quality of life.
Area Under Siege: Blocked Access and Deteriorating Conditions
The demonstration effectively blocked the main entrance to the Sarabha Nagar facility, leaving several visitors unable to access essential civic services. Tensions flared as residents highlighted the deteriorating living conditions in their locality, which they claim have been neglected for years.
Residents reported being subjected to a filthy smell and dirty environment for more than ten consecutive days. They noted that while the area traditionally experiences flooding during monsoon seasons, the current stagnation has occurred without any rainfall. We are trapped inside our own houses, one protester expressed, adding that the persistent neglect has caused local property values to plummet significantly.
Political Escalation and Stark Ultimatum
Fed up with years of unfulfilled political promises to cover the nearby drain and modernize the infrastructure, the group issued a stark ultimatum: a total boycott of future elections. This dramatic step underscores their deep frustration with what they perceive as systemic failure.
The protest took a more aggressive turn when Congress councillor Arun Sharma warned officials of direct action if immediate steps are not taken. Sharma stated that if the issue remains unresolved, residents will return to dump raw silt from Dhoka Mohalla inside the MC office. We will not run away after throwing silt, even if authorities register an FIR against us, he declared, emphasizing their determination.
Official Response and Engineering Challenges
MC's zonal commissioner, Jasdev Sekhon, and joint commissioner Vineet Kumar met with the crowd to pacify the situation, promising a swift resolution. However, technical staff highlighted significant engineering challenges complicating the issue:
- Approximately 200 cusecs of water is entering the Buddha Dariya from the canal
- High water levels in the main drain are preventing local runoff
- Recent bridge construction on the drain has complicated water flow patterns
One MC official confirmed they have requested the irrigation department to reduce water releases into the drain to allow for emergency maintenance in Dhoka Mohalla. Superintending engineer Harpreet Singh confirmed that field teams had been dispatched to the area. We will come out with a solution very shortly, he assured the agitated residents.
The protest highlights growing civic discontent in urban Punjab, where infrastructure maintenance often lags behind rapid development. The residents' threat to boycott elections adds a political dimension to what began as a local civic issue, potentially influencing future electoral dynamics in the region.
