In violation of the norms, sewage is being discharged into the Hansi branch canal. As the canal is the primary source of irrigation for many villages, the water pollution can create serious health problems for residents, if the authorities fail to stop it immediately. The residents alleged that it was not for the first time that the Health Department is allowing this. A few months ago, the department had started polluting the canal but stopped discharging sewage into it after a protest by the residents. However, the department allowed it again. For the speedy discharge of sewage, the authorities have fitted two pump sets. “It has been going on for the past many days. The canal water is even unfit for washing of clothes, “ said Dilbag, a farmer. Though no one in Jind is using the water for household purposes, farmers of many villages like Ikas, Ram Rai and Anupgarh depend on the canal for the irrigation of their fields. Though it could not confirmed when the Health Department started discharging the sewage into the canal, the foul smell emanating from the canal indicates that it has been going on for the past many days. “We request the authorities to register cases against all the officers responsible for it,” said Ram Kishan, a farmer. When contacted, executive engineer Dalveer Dalal, expressed ignorance. “I do not have any information about it . If it’s happening, we will take strict action against the officers responsible for it,” said Dalal.