Jaswinder Kaur, councillor of Ward No. 1 in Chandigarh, has alleged that private sewer cleaners are illegally dumping sewage into the stormwater drain connecting Khuda Ali Sher to Sukhna Lake, causing serious environmental damage and polluting one of Chandigarh’s most prominent landmarks.
In a letter to Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Kaur stated that several surrounding areas of Khuda Ali Sher, including Shivalik Vihar, Kansal and Nayagaon on the Punjab side, lack proper sewerage infrastructure in many locations.
As a result, private sewer cleaners engaged in cleaning septic tanks and toilet pits are allegedly dumping sewage and sludge directly into the stormwater drain connected to Sukhna Lake.
She also attached photographs with the complaint, purportedly showing tankers discharging sewage into the stormwater drain.
Kaur urged the commissioner to take immediate action and direct departments concerned to conduct surprise inspections and raids in the affected areas, particularly along the stormwater drain stretch from Khuda Ali Sher towards Sukhna Lake.
She further demanded strict measures to stop private cleaners and tanker operators from dumping sewage into the drain and sought legal action against those involved in the illegal activity. She added that she is willing to assist the authorities during inspections.
RK Garg, a social activist, said sewage flowing from adjoining Punjab areas is harming the flora and fauna of Sukhna Lake.
He added that the lake is facing increasing pressure from rapidly developing residential colonies in its vicinity.
Garg urged the administration to convene a joint meeting of officials from Punjab and Haryana to find a permanent solution to the sewerage problem.