Senior Congress leader and Ex-Chairman of Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan, has demanded to halt the resumption of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) in Leisure Valley, Sarabha Nagar.
In a letter written to the Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, a copy of which was also released to the media, Dewan mentioned that on behalf of the residents of Sarabha Nagar, the Sacred Heart Convent School vicinity and the Leisure Valley area, he urgently appeals for immediate attention to the resumed construction of the STP in Leisure Valley.
“This project, previously halted due to massive public opposition, has now restarted, triggering renewed alarm and distress among thousands of residents. Its proximity to a densely populated residential zone and an esteemed educational institution raises serious concerns about environmental degradation, public health risks and civic disregard”, Dewan pointed out.
Listing the key concerns raised by the residents regarding the setting up of STP in Leisure Valley, Dewan said that the operation of the STP will release persistent foul smell, severely degrading air quality in the vicinity, while adding, “This poses a direct health threat to the children attending Sacred Heart Convent School, elderly residents and individuals with respiratory problems, morning walkers and fitness enthusiasts and thousands of families residing in Sarabha Nagar and vicinity of Leisure Valley.”
Terming the location of STP as grossly inappropriate, Dewan said that the proposed site lies in the heart of a densely populated residential zone. He further said that constructing a sewage treatment facility here is not only environmentally irresponsible but also endangers the well-being of school children and local residents.
“The proximity to Sacred Heart Convent School is especially alarming”, he mentioned in the letter. Dewan also brought to the note of Mann that the said move also violates the urban planning norms. “Standard urban development guidelines mandate that STPs be located on the outskirts of cities, far from residential and educational zones.
This project blatantly disregards those norms, setting a dangerous precedent for future civic planning”, he asserted. Recalling that the project was earlier also halted due to widespread protests and formal objections by residents and welfare associations.
He said that the sudden resumption of the project, without public consultation or relocation, reflects a troubling disregard for democratic engagement and community welfare. Dewan urged the CM that his immediate intervention to safeguard public health and civic integrity is required to halt the ongoing construction of the STP.
He demanded that the site selection should be reassessed and relocate the STP beyond residential and educational zones and instruct relevant authorities to uphold environmental standards and prioritize public health protection.
Dewan said that he is hopeful that the genuine concerns of the citizens will be addressed promptly. “The health and well-being of schoolchildren and residents should not be compromised at any cost”, he said, while demanding issuance of orders for an urgent halt to this project until a proper review is conducted.