Punjab: Residents of various villages in Raikot are facing a lot of problems due to the poor condition of roads and ponds. The ponds in Barundi, Buraj Hari Singh and other villages are in a neglected state. The ponds are filled with dirt and the situation worsens when these overflow during the rainy season. Kanwardeep Singh of Barundi village said that some roads have been built recently under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), but their quality is so poor that they can get damaged after just one rain. He said, “What is the use of building roads if they are not durable? The Raikot-Jagraon road is also in a very bad condition. It is still incomplete and has potholes. This not only causes trouble to travellers but also leads to frequent accidents.” Another resident Gursewak Singh said that the pond in his village is very dirty and it should be cleaned regularly to maintain the quality of water, prevent diseases and ensure its continued use for various purposes. He said, “The pond has been in a bad condition for many years, with no repair or cleaning work being done. People living nearby not only have to suffer from the foul smell but also run the risk of falling sick. The situation worsens during monsoons when the pond overflows, leading to filth and strong odour.” Jujhar Singh of Heran village emphasised the importance of ponds in village life, saying, “Village ponds play a vital role in water conservation by acting as rainwater harvesting systems, facilitating groundwater recharge, promoting agricultural activities and serving as a water source for domestic and livestock use. Ponds are considered a symbol of prosperity in village life and should be properly maintained.”
Punjab: Broken roads and dirty ponds trouble Raikot villages
