Kharar, September, 5: The long-standing problem of sewage overflow and waterlogging in Swaraj Enclave and nearby housing societies of Kharar remains unresolved, even after repeated interventions by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission and the Chandigarh Human Rights Commission.
Residents first approached the commission after stagnant sewage and flooding made daily life “unmanageable.” Acting on the complaint, the panel directed the Kharar municipal council and the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board to resolve the issue on priority.
During earlier hearings, the panel was told through a report filed by the SDO of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board that new pipelines were being laid to address the problem across Swaraj Enclave and adjoining areas. The report projected completion by July 20, 2026.
While officials had previously claimed that about 70% of the work was finished, residents contradicted that version at the July 1 hearing. They told the commission that only about 5% progress had been made since the earlier deadline and said “no visible improvement” was seen on the ground.
The commission had sought a final report, but none was filed. Instead, authorities cited the rainy season as a hurdle and sought an extension. At the latest hearing on Wednesday, officials neither submitted the final report nor explained the delay, according to people present.
The commission has now adjourned the matter until November 12, 2025, directing the Kharar municipal council to file the final compliance report before that date.
