Elevator space turns into garbage dump at Nehru Shopping Complex
Amritsar, March 7
Despite tall claims by the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) of having given a facelift to Nehru Shopping Complex at Lawrence Road, heaps of garbage, cracks in roofs and encroachments paint a picture of neglect. AIT Chairman Ashok Talwar visited Nehru Shopping Complex on several occasions and assured of addressing all issues at the market.
The AIT had sold the SCOs (Shop-cum-Office) with the proposed plan to install elevators in each corner of the building. During the last 20 year, the AIT failed to provide elevators in the market. The space left to install the elevators is being used to dump garbage. The stairs are also in a pathetic condition. The visitors at the market often attend to nature’s call in the stairs. The traders at Nehru Complex complained that the staircases are being used as urinals due to lack of lighting arrangements.
“Though the AIT recently renovated the urinals outside the Nehru Shopping Complex on Lawrence Road, there are toilets for guards and workers who stay or visit the market at night. The top floor is almost vacant and a number of SCOs are vacant on the second floor too. The AIT is responsible for this condition of the market. There should be proper arrangements for sanitation,” said Raman Kumar, a trader.
In the absence of upkeep of building, cracks have developed in the roof and stairs. The tiles and cement coating have peeled off the roofs and walls. A number of trees have grown on the rooftop as water storage tank overflows for hours. The tree trunks and roots led to cracks in the walls and the SCO owners complain of water seepage inside the offices.
“The AIT officials are well aware of the issues but do not show any concern for the market. The AIT is unable to keep the complex clean,” said Pawan Kumar, a worker in the market.
