Nine years after more than 700 families were shifted from Thed, a mound in Sirsa, to Housing Board flats, they continue to wait for the permanent plots promised to them. Meanwhile, unpaid electricity dues at the rehabilitation site have crossed Rs 13.80 crore.
The families were shifted following a court order directing the government to vacate the 85-acre Thed site, which was claimed for archaeological purposes. They were moved to Housing Board flats with an assurance of permanent rehabilitation, but residents say the promise remains unfulfilled.
The electricity connection provided to the relocated families has added to their woes. DHBVN Sirsa SE Ashutosh said the connection was registered in the name of an Assistant Engineer of the HUDA department, with a sanctioned load of 2 kW.
According to the department, account No. 4401080000 has outstanding dues of Rs 13,80,79,216. Ashutosh said residents subsequently took multiple connections from the original supply, resulting in the accumulation of the huge bill. He said DHBVN had issued several notices seeking payment and disconnected the supply multiple times. However, residents protested after every disconnection, following which the administration ordered restoration of the connection.
Residents said the power bill was only one aspect of their prolonged ordeal. They alleged that the locality lacked adequate drinking water and sanitation, with blocked sewers, damaged drainage lines, stagnant water and garbage making living conditions difficult. They also alleged an increase in drug abuse and crime.
“Why should we pay the bill? Should we also pay for living in this hell?” resident Naresh Kumar said, adding that the families had vacated their homes in Thed after being promised permanent plots.
Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited the area in October 2023. Congress MP Kumari Selja also wrote to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking permanent housing for the displaced families.
Residents claim over 2,500 people still live at Thed and say they are ready to vacate if the displaced families are first provided the promised plots.
