Encroachment upon government land, increasing pollution and traffic-related problems are becoming a headache for the residents of Sarangpur village. The villagers warn that if the situation goes unchecked, it may go out of hand and gradually lead to serious law and order problems.

Rampant encroachment is visible on the government land in the village with the area housing a marble market and numerous vendors selling wares without any check.

Streets in the village too are dotted with illegal ventures. From welding shops to plant nurseries, all kinds of activities can be found operating here free of any regulations. With no permits or licences, anomalies such as tax evasion, illegal electricity connections and misuse of property are prevalent.

Scrap dealers have set up shops opposite the Government High School in the village apart from a timber shop and sawmill operating in its vicinity. Apart from causing pollution, these units also lead to traffic congestion. Garbage of all kinds including hospital waste from PGIMER and electric equipment is dumped here.

The residents have also raised objection to the use of residential premises for commercial purposes as well as the use of village land for parking. They claim that heavy vehicles damage the roads and underground water pipes.

Former sarpanch of the village, Sadhu Singh, claims that the villagers have to deal with numerous problems. “As there are no checks on haphazard development in the village, illegal business is thriving here. At the panchayat level, we try to resolve some issues but it is not entirely possible. The authorities should intervene and take control of the situation before it is too late,” he says.