Faridkot, December 13
The pain and suffering of thousands of families in the district who have no access to safe drinking water seems to be losing in the electioneering din with no party speaking about the issue.
“The election issues being raised by various political leaders do not touch our lives. The politicians are only interested in attacking their rivals,” said a rather disappointed Tarsem Lal of Kaler village.
“They speak of reviving agriculture, providing employment, healthcare on the doorstep, free power and water, flour at Rs 4 a kg and pulses at Rs 20 a kg. If this is not enough, they promise to make your city as beautiful as Paris. Election after election, its the same promises,” said a bitter Shamsher Singh, a teacher.
In Faridkot, water, the elixir of life, is spewing diseases like cancer and hepatitis. Safe drinking water is the upmost demand of about 1,71,000 voters in the Faridkot assembly constituency.
“ In their speeches, leaders do not touch core issues which impact our everyday life,” said Kartar Singh of Kameana village in Faridkot.
“Clean drinking water has been our main demand for the past many years. Elections come and go…. the promises remain unkept,” said Manjit Singh of Kameana resident.
“Releasing the manifesto is a mere formality. Copies of manifestos are seldom available at the election offices of political parties”, said advocate Ashu Mittal.
With the ground water containing high fluoride contents, Faridkot residents are forced to solely rely on the Sirhind feeder-the canal that has gained notoriety for its water carrying industrial effluents.
News Source: Tribune
