Locals protest against dumping of garbage in Tawi river

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Apr 2: Up in arms against dumping of garbage and dead animals in Tawi river, locals held a strong protest demonstration against Municipal Council Udhampur and the district administration.  Click here to watch video
The protesting people blocked the National Highway for several hours and forced the departmental vehicles, which were going to dump the garbage, to return back.
The protest was organized by senior Congress leader and INTUC State secretary Sumeet Magotra, who lamented that from the last 8 years, the concerned department was using Tawi river as a dumping station due to which the river was getting polluted.
“Tawi river is the main source of fresh water supply to the Udhampur town and due to dumping of garbage there, people are forced to drink polluted water which is the main reason for some deadly diseases like cancer,” he said and added that people of the town were befouled by the department by making false promises that solid waste management plant is almost complete and will be functional by next month.
The CEO of the Municipal Department and Tehsildar rushed to the spot and sought to pacify the protesting people. They also handed them over completion reports of the plant.
Only after the proper assurance, the Nation Highway was opened for vehicular movement. However, Magotra warned that if the promise is not fulfilled within the given time, big agitation will take place and the department will be completely responsible for the same.