Sewage in taps and garbage on streets: Sec 49-C cries for help

Residents of Sector 49-C, Housing Board Colony, Chandigarh, are battling a civic crisis as sewage water contaminates their drinking supply, garbage heaps continue to grow, and municipal authorities fail to intervene meaningfully.Allotted between 2010 and 2011, the housing board flats for economically weaker sections (EWS) are just over a decade old, but the infrastructure is already crumbling.

- GNS News Agency

For the past two to three months, residents have complained of sewage mixing with their tap water — resulting in illness and distress. Despite submitting multiple complaints and photographic proof, authorities carried out only a single round of water testing. Water quality improved briefly but deteriorated again soon after.

“The smell here is unbearable and makes us feel sick,” said Parmeela Devi, a resident. “We've complained to everyone, but nothing has changed. Sewage keeps mixing with our drinking water.” She added that her children have suffered from fevers, stomach infections, and dengue, with stagnant sewage becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. When officials did visit, she said, “they dug up the broken pipe and then told us to replace it ourselves. We can't really afford it”.