Contaminated Water Crisis in Jalandhar’s Mithu Basti Sparks Protests After Road Level Rise

May 25, 2026

Jalandhar: Conditions have deteriorated significantly in the Arjun Nagar area of ​​Mithu Basti, Jalandhar, following the construction of a new road. On Sunday night at 9 PM, residents staged a protest against the administration and the local councilor. Residents allege that the road’s level was raised by dumping debris on it without first repairing the sewage and water supply pipelines causing filthy sewage water to backflow into the lanes and enter their homes. Children are falling ill due to this contaminated water.

Residents have warned that if a permanent solution to this problem is not found soon, they will be compelled to stage large-scale sit-ins and protests. The protesters claim that the administration carried out the new construction dumping debris and gravel directly over the old road without any proper planning.

Due to the elevated level of the road, the entire lane now slopes towards the houses. Furthermore, the sewage system has become completely blocked, causing foul-smelling, filthy water to backflow and stagnate in the lanes. The situation is so dire that stepping out of their homes or walking on foot has become an arduous task for residents due to the contaminated water.

Are We Not Humans, But Animals? — Residents’ Anger Erupts

Residents have accused the administration and the incumbent councilor of treating them with bias and discrimination. They point out that during elections, politicians beg for votes at their feet; yet, once elected, they do not deem it necessary to even check on their welfare. In scathing terms, the protesters asked: “Are we not humans, but animals, that we are forced to live amidst such filth?” Young children are falling ill due to this contaminated environment. The risk of an epidemic outbreak is constantly rising, yet despite repeated complaints, neither the municipal officials nor the councilor have paid the slightest heed to their plight.

Contamination Found in Drinking Water Supply

Local residents also allege that, due to the blocked sewage system, filthy and foul-smelling water is now seeping into and contaminating their drinking water supply. People are compelled to drink this contaminated water, which is having a direct impact on their health.

Congress leaders and social workers present at the scene also extended their support to this protest by the residents. The residents have issued a stern warning to the administration, stating unequivocally that if the sewage system is not cleaned and the alignment of the roads and water pipelines is not rectified within the next few days, they will take to the streets to stage a road blockade and launch aggressive protests—the entire responsibility for which will rest solely with the Municipal Corporation and the local administration.