Shimla, March 10,
Government negligence has put the public at risk as toxic water is being served to citizens, according to BJP leader Ravi Mehta. In Shimla and its surrounding areas, severe negligence by the government and administration regarding the protection of water sources has come to light. Mehta launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging that sewage water is being openly mixed into the Annadale-Nayasr-Sainj Khad and Shimla-Baragaon-Ashwani Khad-Sadhupul Solan Gaura water streams. This criminal act is poisoning the drinking water and irrigation systems of thousands of people. Despite repeated warnings from local representatives and the public over the past two years, the administration and government have paid no attention to this critical issue. “The Congress government is busy making announcements and indulging in corruption but has completely failed when it comes to protecting public health and the environment,” stated Mehta.
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He accused the Shimla administration of opening sewage treatment tanks during rains, allowing untreated and toxic sewage water to flow directly into the streams. This not only contaminates the water sources but also devastates agriculture dependent on these streams. He emphasized that the government’s negligence is not just an administrative failure but a blatant disregard for public lives.
Mehta issued a stern warning, stating that if the issue is not resolved within a week, the BJP and local citizens will be forced to stage an indefinite protest against the government and administration. He asserted that the Congress government, which is forcing the public to consume contaminated water, must be held accountable.
The BJP leader demanded immediate action, including repairing Shimla’s sewage treatment system, taking strict action against those dumping untreated sewage into water streams, conducting water quality tests in affected areas and providing clean water to the public, and compensating affected farmers adequately. Mehta concluded by saying that if the government has even an ounce of concern for the public, it must act immediately. Otherwise, the people will take to the streets to claim their rights.
Noteworthy that across India, poorly maintained STPs are a ticking time bomb. An estimated 70% of the country’s sewage remains untreated, polluting rivers and groundwater. The consequences are dire—waterborne diseases like diarrhea claim nearly 350,000 children’s lives annually.
Also recent reports published indicate that the Shimla’s Snowdon Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has repeated failed to meet pollution control standards.
