On Sunday morning, residents of Sundar Nagar—located in Ward No. 23 of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab—expressed their pent-up anger over a persistent sewerage blockage issue that has plagued the area for a long time. Frustrated ward residents staged a sit-in protest on Mor Road, blocking traffic and demonstrating vigorously against the Punjab government and the local administration.
The protest, which began around 8:00 AM, continued until approximately 11:00 AM, resulting in a complete disruption of traffic for three hours. A large number of women, elderly citizens, and local residents participated in the sit-in. Chanting slogans against the administration, the protesters alleged that while the problem of overflowing sewers has persisted for a long time, no permanent solution has been implemented. Residents stated that the accumulation of filthy water in the streets and outside homes is constantly increasing the risk of foul odors and waterborne diseases. Local residents—including Radha Swami, Raj Kamal, Rampal, and Vicky Kumar—pointed out that sewage water is continuously overflowing into several streets within Sundar Nagar.
Residents sitting on the road, blocking traffic.
**No Action Taken Despite Complaints**
They stated that numerous complaints had been lodged with officials from the Municipal Council and the Sewerage Board, but on every occasion, they received nothing but empty assurances. The residents further alleged that their local elected representatives are also failing to take the issue seriously.
Women participating in the sit-in remarked that the filth and stench have made it difficult for children to step out of their homes. Elderly residents are experiencing breathing difficulties, and people feel suffocated within the confines of their own homes. The protesters issued a clear warning: with elections approaching, the residents this time will cast their votes only for the candidate who commits to resolving the issues plaguing the locality.
**Assurance Given to Resolve Issue Within Two Days**
Upon receiving information regarding the road blockade, Amritinder Singh, a Junior Engineer with the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, arrived at the scene. Officials spent nearly three hours attempting to pacify and reason with the residents. Eventually, the officials gave an assurance that work to resolve the sewerage problem in Sundar Nagar would commence within two days. He stated that the manholes would be repaired and the stagnant, filthy water accumulated in the lanes would also be cleared away.
Following this, the residents called off their sit-in protest, but issued a warning that if a permanent solution was not found soon, a major agitation would be launched in the coming days. The ward residents demanded that, rather than merely carrying out temporary cleaning, the entire sewage line be replaced so that the people could find lasting relief from this problem.
