Set up 50 years ago, Tarn Taran Focal Point a picture of neglect

The Focal Point in Tarn Taran, established to boost industry about 50 years ago, presents a picture of total neglect, thanks to the apathetic attitude of the district administration and the Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation (PSIEC).

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At the time of its establishment, the Focal Point had around 111 industrial units. In the beginning, the surroundings were clean. There was no lack of civic amenities, sewerage system was efficient and the roads were in decent shape.

With the passage of time and years of lack of official attention, the Focal Point started witnessing deterioration in its infrastructure and civic amenities. Successive administrations or local governments, over the years, have allowed the area to be totally neglected.

Harbhajan Singh Khalsa, president of the Tarn Taran Focal Point Association, said the wells meant for the disposal of sewerage have been filled with silt and these have not been cleaned since its inception about 50 years ago. He said the association has approached the Managing Director, PSIEC, and officials of the local municipal council many times, but to no avail. He said the municipal council authorities are not even ready to pay a visit to the area to get to know about the troubles the entrepreneurs have been facing.

Khalsa said as the sewerage pipes remain blocked, the filthy water accumulates on roads of the Focal Point, polluting the atmosphere. He said the outlet line disposal pump is just 3 inch x 2.5 inch, which is not sufficient for the proper disposal of sewerage water.

The association president said the water tank, constructed about 50 years ago to supply drinking water in the area, has outlived its lifespan. He said whenever water supply is hit due to a defect and is restored after fixing the fault, it becomes unfit for drinking. He said the lid at the top of the water tank has been damaged over time and due to lack of care. The faulty drainage system too deserves to be renovated.

The roads in the Focal Point area are totally broken and are in dire need of repairs.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Arvinderpal Singh, who is also the administrator of the municipal council, did not respond to mobile phone calls and messages sent on his WhatsApp number.