The companies involved in executing hydel projects in the state in general and Palampur in particular are flouting the agreement on the proper disposal of debris, clay and stones. This became evident as residents of HIMUDA colony, Holta, and adjoining localities were being compelled to consume muddy and contaminated water for the last three days. In Dhauladhar ranges, falling between Dharamsala and Baijnath, private companies mostly from Andhra Pradesh, were executing 12 small hydel projects. Since these companies had strong political connection with the UPA leaders in Andhra Pradesh and New Delhi, therefore, they are playing havoc with nature and flouting the terms and conditions of the MOU signed with the state government. Unfortunately there was no government agency in the field that could ask these companies for proper implementation of the MOU. Though the state Forest Department had been made the nodal agency by the state government to keep a check on these companies, in the past two years the department had badly failed to deliver the goods, which resulted in a total disaster in the region. Palampur DFO A.S. Baniyal while talking to The Tribune admitted that these companies had resorted to environmental degradation in the region and indulged in illicit felling of trees. No action had been initiated against these companies in the past two years. These companies have not only caused loss to environment but also damaged 12 drinking water supply schemes in the region. Palampur executive engineer L.R. Chaudhry said he had served a number of notices on these companies but they continue to dump debris in water sources. He said if timely action was not taken, people would not get drinking water in the rainy season. Until and unless the dumping of debris is stopped it is not possible for the IPH Department to supply clean water to the residents. Dr Rajinder Kistwaria, executive member of the HIMUDA Welfare Society, said if the authorities concerned did not wake up from slumber there were chances of spread of epidemic.