BRTS lanes turn garbage dumps

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 2

In the absence of any mechanism to sweep or clean the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) lanes facilitating the movement of public bus service, these are fast turning into garbage dumps. Heaps of garbage, plastic and thermocol items and plastic can be seen lying in places inside the dedicated bus lane.

The ‘green corners’ and passenger pick-and-drop points are in a shambles. The poor condition of plants at some places is a proof that no care has been taken of these corners for a long time.

Residents point out that there are already heaps of garbage in the city as the administration does not take any measures to stop littering. “If a heap is not removed for a few days or weeks, people would become habitual to throwing garbage at the place. These are an eyesore and the problem should be checked instantly,” said Sukhpal Singh, a resident.

Another resident Kewal Singh said the authorities concerned should take notice of the problem and get these lanes cleaned. “The MC had recently provided its employees handheld machines to issue challans to people who throw garbage. These machines should be used for issuing challans to violators,” he said.

Meanwhile, Inderjit Singh Chawla, Chief Executive Officer, BRTS, said, “We have made arrangements for the cleaning of bus stations and it is being done regularly.” About the cleanliness of BRTS lanes, he said it came under the purview of the Municipal Corporation. “We have asked Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to clarify if the green cover is our responsibility or the municipal corporation,” said Chawla.