No tap water for 20 yrs: HHRC steps in for 500 Faridabad families

Faridabad: Nearly 500 families living in Faridabad’s Achievers Society (Kalindi Hill) have allegedly gone without a public drinking water supply for more than 20 years, prompting the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) to seek answers from civic authorities. The commission has directed that residents be provided free and uninterrupted water through government tankers until a permanent solution is put in place.

HHRC chairperson Justice Lalit Batra observed that access to safe and adequate drinking water was not merely a civic amenity but essential for survival, health, sanitation and human dignity.

Residents said the Sector 49 society was developed under the TP-3 scheme in 2004-05. Initially, they depended on borewells and private tankers. As the borewells dried up, families were forced to purchase water from private tankers for their daily needs.

The commission noted that the Supreme Court has recognised the right to live with dignity and a healthy environment as part of the right to life under Article 21. It also referred to provisions of the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act requiring adequate and wholesome water supply.

The Municipal Corporation commissioner and Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority CEO have been asked to report whether a public water network was provided to the society and, if not, explain why. They must also provide details about the condition of existing borewells and other water sources.

The next hearing has been fixed for November 12.