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Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Chandigarh's Maloya residents grapple with foul water crisis
Written by : Prisha Arora Residents of Maloya Colony in Chandigarh's Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing cluster are battling a persistent crisis of contaminated water, prompting intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has issued a notice to the Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner seeking a detailed report by June 27. Complaints about black, foul-smelling, and muddy water have been flooding in for weeks, with multiple families reporting illness, especially among children, due to consuming the supplied water. Santosh Kumar, 41, a factory labourer who lives with eight family members, described the water as 'completely black and muddy'. 'It smelled terrible. Even after boiling it, my children had been ill for nearly a week,' he said. 'Everyone in the house fell sick — my son had severe stomach problems. We still face skin issues like itching near the eyes.' Though he considered purchasing an RO filter, he said he had to redirect his savings toward his sister's upcoming wedding. 'There was some leakage, but even after they said it was fixed, the water didn't improve.' Ajit Kumar, a 35-year-old driver, said mornings in his home begin with a half-hour of flushing muddy water from the taps. 'Every morning at 6, the water starts coming. For the first half hour, it's muddy and smells horrible. We have to leave the tap running to flush it out, paani bohot barbaad hota hai,' he said. 'I told Mr. Dilawar and he said he'd inform someone, but nothing happened.' Ram Minister, 36, who lives with nine family members, said the water issues began around April 20. 'First, I got a fever and stomach issues. Then my wife and kids fell sick. We had no choice but to boil water. The Pradhan helped us and got the leakage fixed. Now, it's a little better, but the past month was very difficult.' A 45-year-old rickshaw puller, who requested anonymity, said both he and his wife fell seriously ill due to the contaminated supply. 'I try to buy Bisleri for my children, but it's too expensive. I can't afford RO or bottled water. Har insaan ko paani peene ka adhikaar hai. We are not even getting that,' he said. 'Despite repeated complaints, the problem continues. For 45 to 60 minutes every morning, we have to keep the tap open. Sometimes it improves, but then it turns muddy again.' Rajinder Kumar, 39, a small business owner living with six family members, said the situation has improved slightly. 'For the past five–seven days, the water has been cleaner. But it still turns muddy in the mornings. My children had fallen sick earlier, and we had no option but to boil the water before drinking.' Councillor Nirmala Devi of Ward 28 (Maloya), who is also the spokesperson for the Chandigarh Congress, was unavailable for comment. Her husband Dilawar, speaking on her behalf, said the water supply system had not yet been fully handed over to the Municipal Corporation. 'The implementation is still pending,' he said. 'We visited the booster and found clean water there. At the Housing Board, they said it's the MC's job. The MC said the Housing Board should handle it. Eventually, both chief engineers joined me, and we discovered a leakage in the pipeline.' Officials claim that the problem is now restricted to two–three buildings out of 13–14, and some repair work has been initiated. However, the absence of clear accountability has only deepened the frustration of residents. With the NHRC now directly involved, pressure is mounting on the authorities to implement a long-term, coordinated solution. Until then, the residents of Maloya continue to grapple with a basic, unmet necessity — the right to clean drinking water. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
In memory and hope: A camp to honour RGNUL students
(Written by Prisha Arora) A blood donation camp, accompanied by cadaver and eye donation registration (ROTO-PGI), will be held on May 18 at the Community Centre in Sector 19, Chandigarh, in memory of four students from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala — Reet, Ishaan, Ribhu, and Kushagra — whose lives were cut short but remain deeply cherished. Organised by the Reeshaan Foundation, the initiative is a gesture of remembrance and compassion. For Major R S Virk, Reet's father, it is also personal. 'There is no better way to do something meaningful for the privileged than by giving back. For me, this is how I remember her,' he said. 'We are only informing those who truly mattered to her—her closest friends.' Reet, remembered as a brilliant student with a deep love for animals, recently received her final RGNUL results after her tragic death, scoring exceptionally well. Her classmates, including Ishaan Sood, also did admirably well — a reflection of the promise their futures held. Beyond the donation drive, the foundation is extending support to two orphaned siblings who recently lost both parents. One of them, only 17, had been working to support the household. 'The foundation is now planning to fund their education — another reflection of Reet's giving spirit,' said Maj Virk. The event will also pay tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, creating a space for silent remembrance and selfless service. 'You're always somebody's blood type,' reads the event's poster — a reminder that giving sustains life, and with it, memory. In honouring the lives of their children, the families behind the initiative hope to build a legacy of kindness — through blood, through education, and through acts of care that reflect what Reet and her friends stood for. (The author is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital: Where thousands see hope, not bills
Written by Prisha Arora In Chandigarh's busy Sector 18-B, nestled between clinics and shops, stands a modest building that sees more than 1,000 patients every day — yet never charges a single rupee. This is Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital, a charitable institution run entirely on the spirit of seva, or selfless service. Founded in 1997 by social worker S Harjit Singh Sabharwal under the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sewa Society, the hospital delivers what most can't imagine today: completely free, high-quality eye care for anyone in need. Its mission is rooted in Sikh values of giving through tan (body), man (mind), and dhan (wealth). From outpatient consultations to surgeries, medicines to meals — even accommodation for outstation patients — everything here is free. 'We see 700 to 750 OPDs (outpatient department consultations) and conduct around 80 surgeries each day,' said a senior hospital supervisor, who requested anonymity. 'There are more than 500 phone calls daily, most from people who heard about us through word of mouth. It's all a gift from God. Donations come from everywhere — businessmen, families, individuals. Some give money, others offer their time, skills or services. Most don't want recognition.' For patients like Paramjeet, a 48-year-old daily wager from Punjab, this hospital has been life-changing. 'Mujhe dikhai nahi deta tha aur main kaam nahi kar paata tha, lekin yahaan inhone dawaayein di, aur khaana tak diya (I couldn't see and was unable to work, but here, they gave me medicine and even food.' Others speak of the hospital's warmth and dignity as much as its treatment. Radhika, a homemaker from Kharar in Mohali district, brought her young daughter here for squint treatment. 'The doctors explained everything so clearly. They treated us with so much respect. My daughter is well now,' she said. Pal, a truck driver from Haryana, was referred by a friend. 'Meri ek aankh mein sab dhundhla tha. Ek dost ne bataya yahaan aane ko––inhone ek paisa nahi liya (It was all blurry in one of my eyes. A friend told me about this hospital. I came all the way here — and they didn't take a single rupee.' The hospital's daily operations are supported by a team of about 35 staff members, including doctors, technicians, and administrative personnel. Interns from BSc, MSc, and Junior Lab Assistant (JLA) courses routinely train here, gaining experience in a fast-paced yet compassionate environment. Despite the overwhelming footfall, cleanliness and patient safety are rigorously upheld. 'People come from across the country, often from very difficult situations,' said Kajal, a lab technician. 'They tell us things they may not have shared with anyone. Being able to support them through that is what makes this work worth doing.' But challenges persist. Overcrowding during peak hours results in long queues and congested waiting areas. 'I wish there was a better system,' Kajal added. 'Patients should be called in one by one to prevent the spread of infections like TB.' Currently, there is no digital appointment or queue management system, and patient records are maintained manually. Though there is talk of expanding the facility, no official plans have been announced. Still, the hospital remains firm in its founding ethos — care without discrimination. Patients of all faiths, castes, and economic backgrounds are welcomed with dignity and treated equally. There are no conditions, no billing counters, and no privileged queues. In an era where healthcare costs are steadily rising, Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital continues to serve as a rare and powerful example of what community-led service, anchored in faith and empathy, can achieve.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Amarnath Yatra registrations surge in Chandigarh, Mohali despite Pahalgam terror attack
Written by Prisha Arora Outside the branches of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Chandigarh and Mohali, long queues of devotees have become a daily sight as the registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra, beginning July 3, gains momentum. Undeterred by recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), pilgrims are turning out in even greater numbers than last year, with footfall figures already surpassing previous records well ahead of schedule. At the Mohali Phase 2 branch alone, more than 550 permits have been issued in just 15 days — a milestone that had taken nearly six weeks to reach in 2023. 'Last year, from April 15 to May-end, we registered around 500 pilgrims. This year, we crossed that number in just two weeks,' said Ravinder, Assistant Branch Manager at the branch. 'By the end of May, we are confident of reaching 650–700 registrations.' The Chandigarh branch is witnessing an even higher turnout, with over 700 registrations recorded so far. 'Last year, by late April, we had processed about 300–400 applications. This time, we have already crossed 700, and we still have a month to go,' said Rouf Bhatia, banking associate. To manage the growing crowds, the Mohali branch has set up a temporary tent outside the premises and introduced a token system for pilgrims. Of the registration cost at Rs 150 per pilgrim — Rs 135 of which is collected by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the government-managed body overseeing the yatra. After taxes, the bank retains about Rs 13 per registration. Based on current numbers, the Mohali branch has collected roughly Rs 7,150, while the Chandigarh branch has collected around Rs 9,100 — totalling over Rs 16,250. Pilgrims opting for online registration pay an additional Rs 100 service fee, officials said. Security agencies, meanwhile, are adapting in response to the recent attacks. Sources said forces are planning to realign deployment, stationing troops closer to the Baisaran Valley and securing the rear of surrounding forests to curb potential terrorist movement. The reconfiguration is expected to strengthen the security grid ahead of the yatra. Despite the risks, pilgrims remain undeterred. Amit, a solo pilgrim from Mohali, said, 'I go every year. I feel safe despite everything that has happened. I have never faced any security issues.' First-time pilgrim Rajendar Singh, travelling with friends, echoed the same sentiment. 'I am not scared. The Indian Army is there to handle everything,' he said. Some, like Manjeet, a Chandigarh Police officer and regular yatri, acknowledged the dangers but said faith outweighs fear. 'Such incidents are unfortunate, but the yatra will be safe. We must carry on.' An unnamed devotee from Rohtak added, 'I am saddened by the attacks, but fear should not stop us. India was never a country that sits scared, our military is strong. I believe in our forces.' Pilgrims from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other neighbouring regions have been thronging both branches. Officials report a cancellation rate of just 0–1 per cent, mostly due to personal changes in travel plans. With over a month to go before registrations close, officials expect record-breaking numbers this year.
