Divya Sharma
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 14
Green belts in the city have been crying for attention of the authorities concerned for long. In the absence of upkeep, several chunks have been encroached upon. Garbage is being dumped which gives the city a shabby look.
Take for instance the green patches of Khazana Wala Gate, Lahori Gate, stretching up to Bhagtanwala Gate. Greenery is missing here.
Gurpratap Singh, Associate Professor, Hindu College, said, “Though the parks are being maintained, green belts are yet to be focused upon. For proper maintenance of green belts, residents should shoulder the responsibility. They should maintain greenery in the areas near their residences.”
A city resident, Arvind, said, “I feel that the residents do not take it as their duty to maintain vegetation near their houses. We have to work collectively to conserve environment.”
Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu said, “The work is under progress. We will rework on the green belts under the Smart City project. The plan is already prepared. Results will be seen in a few months. Encroachments will also be removed.”