Haridwar locals struggle to sell properties near waste site where civic body bought land at inflated rate
HARIDWAR
: The alleged scam involving the sale of a 2.3-hectare plot next to a garbage dumping site in Sarai village has left locals stunned. Villagers were shocked to learn that the Haridwar Nagar Nigam purchased the land for Rs 54 crore, even as they themselves struggle to sell their properties, despite slashing prices, due to the foul odour and polluted air from the dumping site.
Action has been taken against 12 officials, including Haridwar district magistrate (DM)
Karmendra Singh
, sub-divisional magistrate Ajayveer Singh and the then commissioner of the
Haridwar Municipal Corporation
. The alleged scam centres on the conversion of the land's use from agricultural to commercial, inflating its value from Rs 15 crore to Rs 54 crore. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued directions to cancel the sale deed and recover the payment made to the farmers whose bank accounts have been frozen.
Ironically, the same farmers who secured the inflated rate had previously been unable to find buyers due to the site's proximity to the dumping ground. The facility has made daily life difficult for residents, especially when it comes to arranging marriages for their children.
Residents are furious that despite repeated promises by the municipal corporation to manage waste properly, garbage continues to pile up at the site. That the same corporation is now embroiled in the scam has only deepened public anger.
A resident, Lakshmi Devi, told TOI, "Before the dumping ground, we were happy. The entire village was living a good life, but now it is like living in hell. Our relatives shy away from coming to our homes, and we are facing difficulties searching for a groom and bride for the young ones. Somehow girls find grooms, but no one is ready to marry the local boys. Garbage burns continuously, and old people and children are facing breathing problems."
Many residents are desperate to relocate, but efforts to sell their properties have failed. Local resident Rahul Kumar said, "We do not want to live here. Many have moved to other areas and are living in rented accommodation, while others are trying to sell their property but no one comes forward due to the dumping ground, even at very low prices. We are surprised how the municipal corporation bought land at a commercial rate."
For now, villagers are left to endure the stench and pollution as the case unfolds.
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