Nawanshahr Residents Take to Streets Over Contaminated Water
Residents of Nawanshahr in Punjab's Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district held a protest on Wednesday against the supply of contaminated water in their area. The protesters, including women and children, gathered at the local waterworks office, raising slogans and demanding immediate action from the municipal authorities.
The agitation was triggered by reports of discolored and foul-smelling water coming from taps in several localities. Many residents complained of health issues such as stomach infections and skin rashes after using the water. The protesters alleged that the water supply had been contaminated for weeks, but authorities had failed to address the issue.
Protesters Demand Swift Resolution
Leading the protest, local resident Amarjeet Singh said, "We have been complaining about the water quality for a long time, but no action has been taken. Our children are falling sick, and we cannot rely on this water even for daily chores." The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the sub-divisional magistrate, listing their demands, including immediate testing of water samples, replacement of old pipelines, and a long-term solution to ensure clean water.
Municipal officials who arrived at the site assured the protesters that water samples would be sent for testing and that remedial measures would be taken within a week. However, the residents remained skeptical, vowing to continue their protest until their demands were met.
The incident highlights the persistent problem of water contamination in many parts of Punjab, where aging infrastructure and inadequate treatment facilities often compromise water quality. Local leaders have called for a comprehensive audit of the water supply system to prevent such crises in the future.
