Need to remove wild growth
By Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 20 — Even though the Sector 36 Garden of Fragrance is in its infancy and offers a comparatively nice place to city residents, it is not without some faults, indicating that it needs more attention.

The garden was opened for public on March 7 last year and boasts of about 15 varieties of plants and trees known for their pleasant aroma such as gardenia, murraya, motia, rose, ‘raat ki rani’, ‘mehndi’, and ixora.

In addition, major attraction among visitors and morning walkers are sprawling lush green lawns here, a number of which, particularly in the middle of the garden, are well maintained and properly looked after.

However, along the boundary wall of the garden, the authorities have not paid much attention as there is a lot of wild growth and unmowed grass.

Though the main entrance to the garden facing the Leisure Valley garden is maintained satisfactorily, the other one from the Hibiscus Garden side is a picture of neglect where one is greeted by wild-growth and grass. The situation is worst, particularly on the berms and on the footpath around the parking lot, which also needs recarpeting as it has small pot holes.

As far as mowing of grass is concerned, it seems that it has not been undertaken by officials concerned in the corner near the entrance from the Hibiscus Garden side, where one could see over growth of grass, which looks particularly bad, in contrast to other well maintained lawns of the garden.

Same is the case with the part of the garden near the Leisure Valley nullah meandering through the garden. Both sides of the nullah are covered with wild growth, which could pose a problem, particularly for those visiting the garden late in the evening.

“Actually, any deadly insect could conceal itself in the wild growth, which could even attack the visitors, particularly as there is no proper arrangement of lights at the place” said Mr Kehar Singh, a regular visitor to the garden.

The lack of maintenance was also noticeable near the main entrance where one could see a number of dried up ‘ raat ki raani’ plants. Similarly, the entire hedge, serving as a boundary wall around the place has a number of breaches in it providing ways for stray cattle to enter into the place. The growth of hedge, a mixture of bougainvillaea and cajurina is also haphazard, which is evident from its uneven height.

“Why cannot officials provide an even look to the hedge by cutting it down?” said a visitor, adding that uneven hedge gives an ugly look to the place. He demanded that the timings of the garden should be extended past 9.30 p.m. as many people go for evening walks after 9.30 p.m.

When contacted, an official of the horticulture wing of the Municipal Corporation, which is responsible for the upkeep of the place, said hedge would be strengthened by planting bougainvillaea shrubs at the points which are devoid of plants. He said the place would be given a face-lift by planting 2000 plants during the monsoons.

Problems dog library
By Gaurav Sood

CHANDIGARH, June 20 — Established on August 14, 1995, the State Library in Sector 34 is in need of attention. Built to cater to residents of southern sectors, the library presents a picture of neglect.

In the absence of an approach road, members and visitors face great difficulty to reach the building. With the onset of monsoons, their problems are bound to multiply.

Ms Ravinder, an advocate, and a regular visitor to the library, wants immediate construction of an approach road and a parking lot for the library. She said it was risky to park vehicles in the open.

A visit to the children’s section showed that most of the shelves were empty. Ujjwal Mukerjee, a student of class IX, who visits the library during his vacations, feels more books on science and other subjects should be made available. He felt that the members of the Central Library, Sector 17, enjoyed better facilities than those given to the members here.

Shivani, another member, also complained about the approach road. She felt that since a library could give more exposure, more books on computers, science fiction and problems of Y2K should be made available. She also wanted to enjoy “Mills and Boons”, “Famous Five” and similar books at the library.

The library had purchased books like the Guinness Book of World Records and Limca Book of Records only this year but the books were not available in the section because it took up to 6 months in putting the book on shelves, stated an official of the library.

Mr Gurjot Singh, who often visits the library for the preparation of his examination, said there was only one copy of each book available which at times created problems for members. He also stressed the need for a xerox machine. An official of the library stated that though the library had a photostat machine, there was no qualified person to operate it.

Most of the members also wanted better quality books. Books on architecture, interior design, art and fashion are also in demand. Most of the shelves are empty in various sections.

The condition of the toilets presented a pathetic look. They seemed to have not been cleaned for the past couple of months. An official stated that there was a part-time sweeper but a regular staff was needed.

The library is surrounded by wild growth and the corridors of the building are occupied by labourers and rickshaw pullers. An official of the library stated that despite a number of reminders to the department concerned, no landscaping had been undertaken.

The library is administered by a 22-member committee including the Home Secretary and the heads of local schools. It gets an annual grant of Rs 8 lakh under the Matching Scheme.

Although the library is spacious and newly built, lack of an approach road, no provision for parking of vehicles, poor landscaping and absence of a boundary wall have been keeping readers away.

Garbage litters streets
From Our Correspondent

PINJORE, June 20 — Civic care in the historic towns of Pinjore and Kalka seems to have been neglected by the local authorities. Lanes and roads reflect the poor management of civic bodies in disposing of garbage.

Heaps of garbage and construction waste material in streets has caused fear among residents regarding out-break of an epidemic in the area. Mr Kishan Chand, a resident of Vishavkarma Colony, Pinjore, complained of flies and mosquitoes due to the routine delay in lifting garbage.

Overflowing bins are common at several places. Sweepers seldom clean the lanes, said local residents.

Poor garbage disposal system has further created problem for the storm water drainage. Mr Muni Lal, a resident of Kalka town said that every rainy season witnesses choked sewers. The sewer system in Pinjore and Kalka towns is in a poor condition. Even after a mild shower, streets are flooded with water and it becomes difficult to walk there.

Both towns have open sewer system and sewage overflows during rains and gathers near the residential areas. Mr Rakesh Gupta, a shopkeeper at Pinjore, complained that sewage from different localities gathers near his shop at Vishwakarma Colony.

Mr Kewal Singh, a resident of Kalka, said Construction waste remains even after the completion of work and it is not picked from the streets. Local bodies should impose a fine to stop this nuisance.

More attention towards the cleanliness of these towns should be given as the town is a gateway to Shimla and the present condition only gives a poor impression to tourists, commented Mr Gulab Singh, a senior resident of Kalka.

Providing succour to paralysed cats
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 20 — The Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA) rehabilitation centre near Daddu Majra, mainly known for treating stray dogs and other large animals, is playing host these days to a big male paralysed cat, a tiny kitten and a badly injured pigeon.

These small creatures, which are either suffering from some serious ailment or are victims of accidental injuries, were brought to the centre in a perilous state by residents from different parts of the city during the past one and half month. Since then, these are under constant supervision of centre officials, who say though the chances of their full recovery are dim, but these might survive for a longer period with proper care and treatment.

“Take the case of the-three-month-old kitten, suffering from paralysis. Hopefully, it is going to recover fully well as it is responding to treatment in a much better way. Moreover, unlike the big cat, it is young and is likely to survive the attack,” said Dr YPS Mehta. He said the feline had been put on a heavy dose of anti-biotics and tonics, which had started showing the results and consequently, its hind side had become strong enough to bear its weight and it had even started to walk.

“The major problem with both felines is that while the small one, in spite of its disability, is naughty and shrieks badly while injections are given, the big male cat gets irritated and even tries to attack the attendants handling it for the purpose of giving injections,” added Dr Mehta who said small animals and birds had been rarely brought to the hospital. “We don’t have any problem with dogs as these are easier to handle and treat in comparison to animals like cats and birds,”

Even when this correspondent visited the hospital, the ferocious big cat, lying on the operation table, welcomed him with a loud “purr” and even tried to attack the attendant, waiting to get it injected from the doctor.

The kitten was admitted to the hospital after it was brought here by Mr Kehar Singh, a resident of Sector 35 on June 6, while the stray eight-year-old male cat — also suffering from paralysis — is at the place since June 12, when it was brought to the centre by a Sector 18 resident.

About the chances of recovery of the big cat, Dr Mehta said he was not sure about the full recovery of the animal as it was aged, but it will survive provided it was looked after well. He said even if the animal did not recover, it will be kept at the rehabilitation centre for its whole lifespan. He said paralysis was a common disease among felines due to various factors, including malnutrition.

The other two unusual “patients” at the centre were two injured pigeons, one of which having suffered an injury on its neck was released after it recovered fully last week. The other pigeon, which has suffered multiple bone fracture on its wings, after it had hit a fan, was brought to the centre by a Sector 24 resident. According to Dr Mehta, since there was no chance of recovery of the bird as the fracture was of a permanent nature, the bird will be kept at the centre for whole of his life.

Mr Bhalinder, the attendant, said though initially both animals and the pigeon were reluctant to take food, now their intake was quiet normal.” While the small kitten manages to drink about half a litre of milk, the big one savours about one and half litres . Same is the case with pigeon, as it keeps itself busy by eating corns during the day,” he added.

According to Mr Jasbir Ralhan, president of the local unit of the SPCA, as, besides dogs and large animals, the centre has started receiving suffering birds and small animals, which had resulted in a housing problem for these creatures, arrangements, including setting up of cages, are being made.

'Treat open spaces as sacred'
By Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 20 — "No cutting into open spaces which are the lifeline and very soul of Chandigarh," cautions Mr S.S. Virdi, former Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, Engineering Department.

A product of the first batch of Punjab Engineering College, which passed out in 1954, Mr Virdi had joined Punjab PWD (B&R) in 1955 and did his apprenticeship at Chandigarh. Earlier, he had a brief stint in Central Water and Power Commission. He recalls his association with Prof R.N. Dogra, who was then Superintending Engineer, and Mr P.L. Verma, Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, Capital Project. "I was attached with Professor Dogra. In 1987 when I took over as Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, Engineering, Chandigarh Administration, I got the surprise of my life when Mr P.L. Verma came to congratulate me. This cohesive fraternity has now faded into the past."

"In the late 50s and early 60s, Chandigarh used to be a pollution-free city. Those days, we could even see Kasauli buildings from here on clear days," he says.

"For Le Corbusier, the master planner, space was life and life was space. The city draws its character from this basic concept. The wide roads, well drawn-out sectors and lots of open spaces with greenery interspersed make Chandigarh the City Beautiful.

"But one is pained that these very basic characteristics of the city are being cut into ugly scars and create infrastructural problems as far as services and rehabilitation schemes are concerned. These also breed social problems. Retention of four villages within the Master Plan set the rout and there has been no stopping ever since.

"In the 50s, 60s and even 70s, when construction activity was at its peak and migratory labour was most needed, labour colonies had come up at Dhanas, Dadu Majra, Maloya, Palsora, Kajheri and Ram Darbar. These were sufficient to contain the encroachments. Subsequently, a large rehabilitation colony was planned at Mauli Jagran after a detailed survey and a certificate from the then District Magistrate that all the existing unauthorised colonies would be shifted to this new colony, leaving no encroachment whatsoever. However, the present status is there for everyone to see and realise the basic ill."

"Sukhna Lake, which is a major landmark of Chandigarh, had started drying up in the late 80s. Some even played cricket matches on the dried patch of the lake to highlight the problem of rapid siltation. Mr Ashok Pradhan, the then Adviser to the Administrator, decided to dig out colossal amount of silt through a voluntary labour programme called 'shramdan'.

"I, however, realised that voluntary effort alone would not be enough to achieve the goal and started seeking help from the Bhakra Beas Management Board, Punjab State Electricity Board, Irrigation Departments of Punjab and Haryana and the Army. General Kumar, the then Chairman of the BBMB, was too willing to help and lent his poclain machines. Through one of my class fellows, I got a conveyor belt for removing the dug-up silt from the bed of the lake to its embankments gifted to the Administration.

"The support from the then Administrator, Mr S.S. Ray, and the Adviser, Mr Pradhan, was the trump card. Original pristine glory of the lake was partially restored. So much so, that the lake was declared one of the wetlands of the country. Then came the Asian Rowing Championship. The experts wanted a 2-km-long straight course of international specifications. In a short span of 52 days, this was done.

"The Union Government issued a special postage stamp on Sukhna Lake. At that time, it was a close-knit team of the Administrator, his Adviser, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, Chief Engineer and Chief Architect. There was well coordinated team work in the Engineering Department itself which twice won the all-India level awards for reducing transmission losses," adds Mr Virdi.

He says that during his time, effort was always to complete the pending works before starting any new projects. For example, at the PGI, equipment worth several lakhs of rupees was rotting for want of specialised building with very thick walls. The Engineering Department took up this project and completed the work in less than six months.

He recalls the work on lighting of the bundh at Sukhna Lake. "The public wanted bright lights on the road and the adjoining green belt along the lake bundh, whereas the original planning was to create an area of of absolute tranquility so that you could see the 'reflection of stars in the lake'.

"Sometime back, piped music was introduced at the lake which at times is so loud that even playing golf adjoining the lake, one could hear it," he adds.

"Now," he says,"there is pollution, pollution everywhere. The real cause being encroachments. These are coming up because of lack of enforcement. During the time of Mr K. Banarji, each sector was entrusted to an officer who had the authenticated lists of all encroachments as per ground conditions. Mr Banarji would review these lists regularly and any new encroachment had to be supported by a valid reason.

"We must save this city from going the Ludhiana or Delhi way. We must not allow any more cutting into open spaces which continue to be the lifeline and very soul of City Beautiful. If you want to retain special character and maintain its serenity, we must treat open spaces as sacred places," concludes Mr Virdi.

Parks in southern sectors or dumping grounds?
From A Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, June 20 — Grounds and parks in the southern sectors of Chandigarh lack proper maintainence and are a source of inconvenience to the residents.

Growth of wild plants and shrubs can be observed in these parks. Most of these grounds are being used for dumping garbage in spite of the facility of dustbins provided at approachable distances.

Mr Promod Behl, a resident of Sector 43, said that these grounds had virtually become death-traps for stray animals. He recalled an incident when two cows accidentally fell into a manhole located at the centre of the ground and were later found dead. A similar incident was reported after a few days but this time the cow was fortunate to be rescued.

Another resident, Ms Harjot Kaur, said that pigs, dogs and cows looked for food in these grounds and in the process littered the place which led to unhygienic conditions. The garbage so scatterd was seldom cleared.

Similar growth of wild weeds and shrubs was witnessed in Sector 42. A number of ditches were seen in the ground along the road towards the Food Craft Institute (FCI).

Mrs Sneh Diwan of Sector 42 said that this untrimmed herbage was the breeding ground for mosquitoes. ''Apart from mosquitoes, there is snake phobia. Many a time we encounter snakes on the roads and even in our houses.'' she complained.

The wild growth also includes the parthenium weed. This weed multiples during monsoon, thus posing a health hazard. Another resident of Sector 44 criticised the Municipal Corporation for its laxity in cutting the weed, especially during the rains.

Many residents alleged that the authorities used most of the funds for the upkeep and beautification of northern sectors where VIPs lived. They said that the Municipal Corporation had allocated sufficient funds for the maintainence of the parks and open places falling in the southern sectors yet earnest efforts were needed.

Even the playground presents a sorry picture. The playgrounds are being used for parking vehicles because people have encroached upon the area outside the boundary walls of their houses by fixing barbed wire, thereby leaving no space for the parking of vehicles.