Uttar Pradesh: Bajrang Dal protest lack of water, civic amenities in Aligarh

Bajrang Bal members staged a protest on Sunday against the local municipal corporation over alleged lack of amenities near the Mayor's residence in the Barahdwari area of Aligarh district. The members from the the right-wing outfit gathered at Ramlila Maidan in Aligarh and, thereafter, reached Aligarh Mayor Prashant Singhal's residence in the Barahdwari area of the district with banners and posters to protest against alleged irregularities by the municipal corporation.

Speaking to ANI, Amit Bhardwaj, a protesting Bajrang Dal member said, "The people of Aligarh have been grappling with a severe crunch in water supply for the last 6 months. We have been facing severe problems due to inadequate water supply. We are even finding it difficult to cook for our households. The grossly inadequate water, which is being supplied by the local municipal corporation, is contaminated. The civic body has not been paying heed to our plight despite repeated requests."

What local residents say?

Pooja Devi, a local resident, told ANI, "We are struggling to put food on the table or wash clothes of our children due to the inadequate water supply. With their school uniforms going unwashed, our children are not being able to attend their classes. Apart from the water problem, a foul smell of dead rodents in nearby slaughterhouses has filled the city."

Another local said, "Local municipal staff are shirking their basic civic duties. Garbage is not being collected and mud is being dumped on the roads. We even took up our plight with the mayor, who assured us that the issues that we have raised will be addressed."

Aligarh Mayor Prashant Singhal speaks on the issue 

Aligarh Mayor Prashant Singhal confirmed that locals turned up to him with their issues, adding that he heard them out and promised to resolve them at the earliest.

"We held discussions with the local councillors and have prepared a plan of action for the entire city. We have planned to solve the water supply problem and work on filling potholes on city roads will start once the monsoon season is over," the mayor said.

"I have spoken to the district administration about the foul smell of dead rodents from slaughterhouses and strict action will follow in this matter as well," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)