Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 26
The Municipal Corporation’s (MC) efforts of getting atop cleanliness survey are all but in vain for the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) at Sultanwind is inundated with garbage and filth. The pathetic condition exposes the tall claims of the government and MC when it comes to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and solid waste management project of the civic body.
Mayor Karmajit Singh Rintu and MC Commissioner Komal Mittal said they are regularly visiting various wards of the city to make the public aware about the cleanliness. The Mayor claimed that the MC has targeted top spot in the Swachhta Survey 2021 but the canal’s woeful sight is completely burning up what’s left of the fair chances and efforts. Even the penalty for disposing off of garbage at the site hasn’t been able to restrict residents for the act.
During the festival season the residents flung puja samagri, garlands and grains into the canal. Heaps of plastic bags and sacks can be seen on the bridge. However, polluting water body is a punishable offence that comes with a hefty fine, but the authorities concerned never make concerted efforts to refrain the public from doing so.
Water from the Upper Bari Doab Canal is mainly used for irrigation in the region on the city’s outskirts. Five holy lakes, including Darbar Sahib sarovar, is connected to the canal to ensure year-round water supply. A special tunnel (hansali) is designed to supply water to Golden Temple complex. Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuri Wale has taken to the beautifying of the pathways of canal and cleanliness, unlike residents.
“Though, the Dera Bhuri Wale is developing the canal as a picnic spot. The pathways and cycle tracks are being constructed but there is no check on the residents who are soiling the site. The garbage stinks out the place and people avoid walking along canal,” said KS Bhangu, a resident of Sultanwind road.
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