Shiromani Akali Dal's Kharar constituency in-charge Ravinder Singh Kheda on Friday highlighted a serious civic issue faced by residents of Ward No. 4 during the sixth day of his "Bolega Kharar, Badlega Kharar" foot march, stating that continuous public pressure was required to force the administration into action.
Kheda said that when the march reached Ward No. 4, residents brought to his notice a major problem, alleging that a leaking drinking water pipeline had allowed sewage-contaminated water to enter their homes, turning the entire street into a living nightmare.
He said the issue was raised during the march, and once the administration took note of the residents' grievances, repair work on the damaged pipeline was initiated without delay.Kheda further said that when the march passed through the same route the following day, it became evident that the sustained public pressure generated by the march had finally awakened the "sleeping" state government.
According to him, this demonstrated that when people unite and raise their voices collectively, even an indifferent government is compelled to act.The Friday march was also joined by Youth Akali Dal National President and Ghanaur constituency in-charge Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer.
The day's march commenced from Reliance Fresh in Mundi Kharar, covering Wards No. 7 and 8, and passed through Dashmesh Enclave, Hari Enclave, Gurdwara Sangatpura Mundi Kharar, Adarsh Nagar, Sunny Enclave and Jhuggian Road before concluding in Jhuggian village later in the evening.
Addressing the gathering, Kheda alleged that the community centre being constructed on 12 acres of land in Jhuggian village had now turned into ruins due to administrative negligence. He said that despite the land being donated by the village for public welfare, the Kharar Municipal Council had failed to show any seriousness in completing the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Jhinjer said the "change" promised by the AAP government had instead become an act of "revenge" against the people of Punjab. He claimed that despite serving for 15 years, nearly 2,100 MGNREGA employees had not received their salaries for the past ten months.
He also alleged that the employees were subjected to a lathi-charge and tear gas while demanding their pending wages in Khanna, and now face the threat of losing their jobs if they do not return to work by Monday.Praising Kheda's efforts, Jhinjer said the foot march reflects the collective struggle of the people of Kharar, and assured that the Shiromani Akali Dal would continue to stand with the residents until their demands are fulfilled.