Kharar's Infrastructure Crisis: Mohali Rights Panel Demands Swift Action on Delayed Sewerage Project

For years, the residents of Kharar have navigated a landscape scarred by incomplete infrastructure, enduring the daily hardships of a sewerage project that has inexplicably stretched on for over seven years. Now, a powerful voice has emerged to champion their cause: the Mohali Rights Panel.

Led by the resolute Justice (retd) NK Sanghi, the panel recently convened a high-stakes meeting, directly confronting officials from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB).

The message was unequivocal: the era of delays is over, and the long-suffering community deserves immediate relief.

The ambitious sewerage project, initiated in 2017, was originally slated for completion by December 31, 2023. Yet, as spring 2024 approaches, large sections remain unfinished, leaving a trail of disruption across areas like Sunny Enclave, Anand Vihar, Gillco Valley, Model Town, Shivalik City, and SBP Homes.

Justice Sanghi minced no words, highlighting the severe inconveniences faced by locals.

Beyond the perennial issue of dug-up roads, which transform into muddy hazards during rain and dust bowls in dry weather, the incomplete work poses significant health risks. Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the threat of vector-borne diseases. Furthermore, traffic congestion, property damage, and the constant stress of navigating an unkempt urban environment have become daily realities for Kharar’s residents.

The panel’s directives were clear and comprehensive.

GMADA and PWSSB were ordered to not only expedite the remaining work but also to ensure the highest quality of construction. Crucially, the panel demanded meticulous planning, including the provision of alternative routes for traffic and swift, coordinated re-carpeting of roads within a week of pipe laying.

This aims to prevent the all-too-common scenario where newly laid pipes are followed by prolonged periods of unpaved, hazardous roads.

Further emphasizing accountability, Justice Sanghi instructed the officials to implement a robust monitoring mechanism for the project. This includes maintaining proper measurement books and ensuring meticulous quality control at every stage.

The panel also called for improved coordination among various departments to streamline the process and avoid future bottlenecks.

With a stern new deadline of March 31, 2024, the Mohali Rights Panel has drawn a line in the sand. The hope is that this forceful intervention will finally catalyze the completion of a project that has tested the patience and well-being of Kharar’s residents for far too long, paving the way for a healthier, safer, and more organized urban landscape.