Abohar stinks as sanitation workers continue protest

Fears of an epidemic stalks Abohar as mounds of garbage are seen across the town following strike by municipal council (MC) workers since December 11.

Fears of an epidemic stalks Abohar as mounds of garbage are seen across the town following strike by municipal council (MC) workers since December 11.

Most of the localities in the town have turned into garbage dumps. The blocked sewerage is also overflowing in many parts of the town, putting the local administration in a piquant situation. (HT PHOTO)

The MC sanitation workers are protesting against the murder of 27-year-old Dalit Bhim Sain Tonk at the farmhouse of Akali leader and liquor baron Shiv Lal Doda.

Most of the localities in the town have turned into garbage dumps. The blocked sewerage is also overflowing in many parts of the town, putting the local administration in a piquant situation.

The worst affected areas include Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium lane, BSNL office, local grain market and Nai Abadi area, besides lanes of the main market.

The MC authorities have, however, failed to make and alternative arrangement to clear the garbage.

“Residents have started holding meetings to look for a solution to the problem,”said Om Parkash Sharma, a local resident.

“Even people are ready to lift the garbage on own provided the administration provides security to them so they are not attacked by the protesting sanitation workers,” he said.

“Political rivals of Shiv Lal Doda are not allowing the sanitation workers to resume work for vested interests,” said Ashok Ahuja, MC vice-president, who is close aide of Shiv Lal Doda.

“Things have gone from bad to worse and we are exploring to make alternative arrangements to clear the garbage in wider interest of the general public,” said the SDM.

Shiv Lal Doda has two-dozen liquor vends of which five were a set afire by unidentified persons since December 11, the day Bhim Sain was murdered. All vends owned by Doda are lying closed.