By Admin 
There is a stir in the entire state after the deaths due to contaminated water in Bhagirathpura area of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, a very worrying picture has also emerged from Ratlam. Councilors and local people have opened a front against the supply of dirty and smelly water in Ratlam Municipal Corporation area. It is alleged that about 40 percent of the city’s population is forced to drink contaminated drinking water for a long time.
water with insects has been coming for months
Ward number 24 councilor Salim Bagwan says that dirty, smelly and insect-filled water is coming from the taps in his ward and the surrounding areas. People complained several times to the Municipal Corporation, public hearing and the Chief Minister’s helpline, but the situation remained the same.
Even when distressed citizens approached the authorities with bottles filled with dirty water, no concrete action was taken. Due to this, both anger and fear increased among the people.
The matter reached NGT
Seeing the matter becoming serious, Councilor Salim Bagwan approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The councilor alleges that the Municipal Corporation Administration and the Pollution Control Board tried to mislead the NGT by giving wrong information.
On this, NGT has also strongly reprimanded both the institutions. Gardener says that if strict steps are not taken in time, situation like Indore can be created in Ratlam also.
Dilapidated sewerage system became a major reason
According to local people and councilor, the root of the problem is the city’s dilapidated sewerage system and dilapidated drinking water pipeline. At many places, sewerage and water lines are lying side by side. As soon as leakage occurs, dirty water directly mixes with drinking water, due to which the risk of spreading disease has increased.
Former MLA Paras Saklecha’s attack on the government
Former Ratlam MLA Paras Saklecha has also cornered the government on this issue. He alleged that the government is busy protecting its contractors. He says that sewerage work has been done in a poor manner in 24 districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Sewerage and drinking water lines have been laid up and down, and weak pipes have been installed. After some time these pipes burst and dirty sewerage water gets mixed into drinking water. Saklecha warned that if attention is not paid, serious consequences may arise in other districts including Ratlam.
Warning to go to High Court-Supreme Court
Councilor Salim Bagwan has clearly said that he will continue to raise this issue. If necessary, we will go to the High Court and Supreme Court. He says that playing with public health will not be tolerated at any cost and responsible officers and employees will not be spared.
Collector and officials inspected
Seeing the seriousness of the matter, Ratlam Collector Misha Singh, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Anil Bhana, SDM and other officials reached Morvani Filter Plant and inspected the situation. After this, the team reached Khetalpur and Chandni Chowk areas and took stock of the sewerage leakage improvement work.
The administration says that soon the supply of clean water will be ensured by removing the leakages, but the confidence of the local people will return only when concrete work is seen on the ground.
Input By : Afsar Khan