Shimla, Sept 21,
Anger among villagers is mounting against the Bharyal solid waste managment plant in Shimla district, as residents of Mathauli village claim it has caused widespread pollution affecting water, air, and land.
Villagers allege that ever since the plant was established, their crops, livestock, and drinking water sources have been severely impacted. Flies, mosquitoes, and foul smell have become a routine menace, creating conditions ripe for diseases.
Mohan Singh Thakur, a permanent resident of Mathauli and former Zila Parishad member, said the plant has brought daily hardships. “Animals, humans, and drinking water sources have all been badly affected. The village is facing an outbreak of insects and diseases. The administration and municipal corporation must intervene immediately,†he urged.
Another resident, Neelam Thakur, expressed her resentment, stating that despite repeatedly raising concerns with the company and administration for years, no action has been taken. “During the rains, garbage and waste seep into farms and water sources, destroying crops and contaminating fodder for animals,†she said.
Dheeraj, another villager, added that drinking water sources have been completely ruined, while fields and grasslands are facing major damage. Lalit, a resident, pointed out that the plant has been operational for nearly eight to nine years, but instead of improvement, the problems have only worsened. “The waste and contaminated water flow directly into the village. The company once promised to build a wall and improve management, but nothing has been done. Pollution in water, air, and soil has only intensified,†he alleged.
The villagers have warned that unless immediate action is taken, they will stage protests and gherao the plant. Panchayat Pradhan of Rampuri Kyonthal, Sanjay Thakur, said that despite several reminders, the company has failed to address the issue. “We will be left with no choice but to file an FIR against the company. The fields and crops of villagers are being destroyed,†he warned.
Responding to the concerns, Project Director of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Dheeraj Chandel, assured action. “We came to know about the issue just a couple of days ago that dirty water is flowing into the village. The matter will be resolved at the earliest after discussions with the villagers,†he said.
Also read : Locals rue mismanagement of Shimla Bharyal solid waste plantÂ
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over the Bharyal sewerage plant. It was earlier reported that since its commissioning, the facility has repeatedly drawn complaints from nearby residents about untreated waste leaking into agricultural fields, contaminating water sources, and creating health hazards. Despite periodic assurances from the authorities, villagers allege that concrete measures to contain pollution have been lacking, turning the plant into a long-standing point of conflict between the community and the administration.
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