Congress leader Kumari Selja raises concerns over the sanitation workers’ strike, garbage accumulation and worker safety in Haryana.
Congress leader Selja cites reports of bacterial and chemical contamination in hundreds of villages; urges government to release affected areas list and ensure safe water supply
Chandigarh | Pen of Democracy News Desk
Congress MP from Sirsa, former Union Minister, AICC General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kumari Selja has expressed serious concern over the quality of drinking water in Haryana, alleging that the state government has failed to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for its residents.
In a statement issued,Selja said people from several districts, particularly villages located in the state’s border regions, have been repeatedly reporting contaminated drinking water and inadequate water supply. She added that the persistence of drinking water shortages even during the monsoon season reflects serious shortcomings in the state’s water management system.
Referring to a recently published report, Selja claimed that every 11th drinking water sample tested in Haryana was found to have quality deficiencies. According to the report she cited, bacterial contamination was detected in drinking water across 855 villages, while 247 villages were found to have chemical contamination.
She said the findings raise serious questions about the state’s drinking water infrastructure and public health safeguards.
“Contaminated drinking water significantly increases the risk of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid and jaundice. The government must act without delay to ensure that people receive safe drinking water,” Selja said.
The Congress leader also highlighted the challenges faced by Haryana’s south-western region, saying the area has long struggled with health-related issues linked to water quality. She urged the government to take immediate corrective measures in affected districts.
Selja demanded that the state government make the list of affected villages public and undertake regular testing of water sources. She also called for repairs to damaged pipelines, systematic chlorination of water supplies and alternative arrangements for clean drinking water wherever contamination has been detected.
“Safe drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen, and there can be no compromise on an issue directly affecting public health,” she said.
Government Should Respond to Rahul Gandhi’s Questions, Says Selja
Commenting on national politics, Selja said the strength of a democracy lies in ensuring equal space for both the government and the Opposition.
She said that if Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi raises questions concerning students or other public issues, the government should respond with facts instead of attempting to suppress the Opposition’s voice.
“Transparency, accountability and dialogue are essential in matters concerning the country’s youth and students. The government should respect democratic traditions and place all relevant facts before Parliament and the people,” she said.
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