LUDHIANA: The much-hyped leisure valleys conceived under the previous government’s regime, with an aim to improve the environment are currently lying in a deplorable condition. While two leisure valley projects are yet to be completed, one which had come up a long while back presents a picture of neglect.
The residents, who were excited about these projects an had great hopes to find solace and spend quality time at the leisure valleys, are disappointed with the deplorable state of these green zones.
One leisure valley was developed in BRS Nagar on a stretch of almost 1.5 km at Rs 3.5 crore. Even though it had come up long back, a tussle between the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) and the municipal corporation (MC) had hampered its upkeep. Now, despite the MC having taken over its maintenance work, its condition is still deplorable. The overgrown grass and wild growth have left visitors wondering whether the authorities will take any steps for its maintenance. The rainwater recharging well there has also started getting covered with grass.
The LIT had initiated the development work of another leisure valley in ward number 80 in Haibowal, on 5.5 acres at Rs 2.5 crore. The work, which was inaugurated on January 25, 2021, is still awaiting completion. The LIT officials claimed there was some legal issue on one portion of the land owing to which they had contacted the MC officials but the decision over the same is still pending. A major area of the leisure valley, which was developed, is lying neglected. Both leisure valleys were developed in the West constituency during the tenure of former cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu.
The third leisure valley was meant to come up on 27 acres of land in the East constituency, covering many areas alongside Buddha Nullah. Many encroachments were removed from the area for the same. This was going to be the first-of-its-kind project to come up in this constituency, designed to provide green space to residents of ward numbers 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15, and benefit more than 100 localities.
The officials claimed that almost 95% work is complete and the remaining will be completed soon.
LIT executive engineer Boota Ram said, “The projects got delayed due to one reason or another, but we are trying to complete them as soon as possible.”
Condemning the attitude of the authorities, the city residents said that at least the projects aimed to improve the green cover in the city shouldn’t be delayed.
Haibowal resident Amit Kumar said, “Very few green spaces are available for us. The announcement of the leisure valley project had filled people with hope, which has now been shattered.”
He said the authorities should at least ensure upkeep of the leisure valley, which has already been developed. He added that these projects are not being maintained due to the ongoing political tussle between the previous and the new government.
Shakti Nagar resident Rajiv Sharma said, “The city has less green cover so works related with environment should not be delayed or halted. The authorities concerned should keep fixed areas for concrete works and develop the rest as green zones.”
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