Ludhiana, February 25
In what can only be described as extremely shameful and contrary to the tall claims of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, the civic infrastructure of Ludhiana—particularly its road network—has collapsed into a state of utter neglect. Making these remarks in a hard-hitting statement issued here today, former President of the District Congress Committee, Ludhiana (Urban) and Ex-Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan, has strongly castigated the “irresponsible” attitude of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, as well as the concerned authorities of the Ministry of Local Government.
Highlighting that the problem of broken roads and large potholes is widespread across the city, Dewan asserted, “The gravity of the situation is most evident along the stretch leading from the prestigious Sacred Heart Convent School in Sarabha Nagar. Despite thousands commuting daily, the road remains in a deplorable condition, forcing parents, school authorities and commuters to endure harrowing travel experiences.”
Pointing out that because of the large potholes and the poor condition of this stretch of road, accidents have also become a routine occurrence, Dewan, said, “The situation poses a constant risk to commuters and demands urgent recarpeting.” Expressing shock, Dewan said, “It is really concerning that despite the fact that this particular road further leads to the Municipal Corporation Zone-D office, where official meetings by the Municipal Commissioner and Mayor are convened, no effort has been made to recarpet it. This blatant disregard underscores the ‘incompetence’ and ‘irresponsibility’ of the ruling AAP government and the Municipal Corporation.”
Dewan added that the Local Government Minister, who also represents this area as MLA, has also failed to act, leaving citizens “high and dry”. “The prolonged neglect has sparked outrage among residents, who now see it as writing on the wall: a government that cannot provide basic civic infrastructure is bound to be shown the door by the people”, he said.
Concluding his statement, Dewan said that the condition of Ludhiana’s roads is a mirror of this government’s inefficiency. “Since the government has miserably failed to ensure safe and functional infrastructure, they will face the people’s verdict soon,” he said.
