Ludhiana, June 25
Former President of the District Congress Committee, Ludhiana (Urban) and former Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan, has demanded an immediate halt to the canal‑based water supply project work currently underway at Leisure Valley, behind Ludhiana’s Sarabha Nagar D‑Zone. In a blistering attack on civic officials, Dewan said that without applying any mind and through a completely “ill-conceived” move, the entire Leisure Valley, considered to be a haven for hundreds of morning walkers, has been recklessly dug up to lay pipelines, despite multiple viable alternatives being available.
Dewan warned that this “mindless destruction” of Ludhiana’s premier green belt not only tramples upon public health and the environment but also lays bare the sheer incompetence of the authorities. He urged Municipal Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar to intervene without delay and ensure that the pipeline is realigned along the road instead of vandalizing the city’s most cherished walking space.
Sharing his personal anguish, Dewan said, “Today, I went for a walk in Leisure Valley and the sight left me deeply distressed. What was once the pride of Ludhiana’s posh area — a haven where residents came every morning to walk and stay healthy — now lies devastated. The entire Leisure Valley has been ruined by the laying of pipeline.”
Dewan pointed out that while elsewhere in Ludhiana pipelines are being laid along the roads, in Leisure Valley the civic authorities have chosen to destroy the green belt. “Trees have been cut down mercilessly. If ordinary citizens dare to cut even a single tree, the government slaps a case against them. So who will be held accountable for this destruction?” he questioned.
Dewan further highlighted that behind the MC Zone-D office, devastation continues, while in front, a 600‑meter stretch of road remained broken for four to five months despite repeated protests. “On one hand, the government boasts of repairing 45,000 kilometers of roads, yet the so-called development of the AAP government exists only on hoardings. In reality, they are obstructing public health and have ruined what was once a walking paradise,” Dewan said.
Dewan added, “It seems to me that the planning has been altered in such a way that crores of rupees earlier spent on developing this walkway have now been wasted by tearing it apart.” Making a fervent appeal to Municipal Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar to personally visit the site, review the situation and ensure proper planning so that pipelines are laid along the road instead, Dewan demanded, “Also, on the other side of the road, there is a park where people come to walk. It must be ensured that this park is not destroyed. Proper planning must be done so that citizens are not forced to suffer difficulties in their walking spaces. This matter deserves urgent attention.”