Sangrur water pollution: Rights panel directs water supply dept to ensure compliance

Patiala: The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission directed the principal secretary, department of water supply and sanitation, Punjab, to examine lapses in a pending complaint and ensure compliance with the commission's earlier orders.The direction came in connection with complaint (No. 3391/18/2025) filed by advocate Kamal Anand from Sangrur district. According to the commission's proceedings, an application submitted in Nov 2025 was placed on record. However, the commission noted with concern that neither a communication nor any action report was received from the department of water supply and sanitation, Sangrur, despite prior orders.Anand, complainant from Sangrur, had lodged his complaint in April last year with the commission alleging that sewerage in the city's area was overflowing and the drinking water turned unsafe for consumption and was causing diseases. He also mentioned about a video on social media purportedly showing black polluted water coming directly from taps and thus prayed the commission for appropriate action. "It's a matter of violation of human rights as basic amenities are not being provided to the residents. Several areas in the city face contaminated water and sewerage overflow but all complaints usually fall on deaf ears of the district administration," said advocate Anand. Taking serious note of the delay, the commission escalated the matter to the principal secretary, instructing the department to review the lapse at its own level and ensure strict compliance with the commission's directives. The order emphasised administrative accountability and timely response in matters involving public grievances.Copies of the commission's earlier orders of May and Nov last year, along with the complaint and related application, were forwarded to the chief engineer (South), department of water supply and sanitation, as well as to the principal secretary through official communication channels for necessary action.The commission adjourned the matter to April 21, this year, and expected a compliance report before the next date of hearing.The order was issued under the authority of the chairperson of the commission, reiterating the body's commitment to ensuring responsiveness and accountability in governance, particularly in cases affecting citizens' rights.