Jhajjar: To oppose a proposed plan to divert water from Masani barrage in Rewari, Badli MLA Kuldeep Vats on Friday met Jhajjar deputy commissioner Varsha Khangwal and submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister, demanding an immediate halt to the pipeline work.Vats and some local villagers expressed concerns that the discharge of potentially contaminated and chemical-laden water into the drain could adversely affect agricultural land, crops, the environment and public health. Responding to the concerns, DC Khangwal said the project had govt approval but assured the villagers that their concerns would be discussed with the concerned department. She said the administration would take up the points raised by the villagers with the department and examine the matter further after the discussion.Emphasising the concerns of farmers and residents, Vats said the administration could not ignore issues relating to public health, agriculture and the environment. “We will not allow our people and crops to be destroyed. We will raise our voice on every democratic platform to protect the lives, land and future of the people of Badli and Jhajjar,” he said.According to Vats, villagers are particularly concerned about the proposal to discharge the pipeline water into an open drain near Naurangpur village. Referring to existing concerns over water contamination in the region, he said the govt must address residents’ apprehensions before allowing additional water to flow into the area.Raising questions over the proposed diversion, Vats asked why the water could not be utilised in Rewari itself if it was considered safe. “If this water is so clean and safe, why is it not being used in Rewari itself? Why should the people and farmers of Jhajjar be exposed to the risk?” he asked. Vats urged the DC to forward the memorandum and the villagers’ concerns to the CM. He also sought necessary intervention to stop the pipeline work. Warning of further agitation, the Badli MLA said that if the work was not stopped, a meeting of panchayats from across Jhajjar district would be convened to decide the future course of action.
