Waterlogging, potholes irk Loharka road residents
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, July 25
It appears that roads in the city are disappearing under water after a heavy spell of rain. Residents are suffering everyday due to flooding of of Loharka Road and potholes that pose a risk to travellers.
Despite repeated incidents of mishaps, the administration seems oblivious of demands of residents of some worst affected areas, including Islamabad, Haripura, Hakima Gate, besides colonies at Loharka Road, Majitha Road and GT Road stretch from Pultighar to Cherhrta.
Members of city-based NGO Voice of Amritsar (VoA) have tried to bring the issue to the notice of authorities concerned, but nobody seems to have a solution to the problem.
“We had repeatedly approached the Local Bodies Minister, councillors and officials of the PWD regarding the problem, but no steps have been taken to level potholes or complete the work on drains. The response so far has been dull, with more promises being thrown our way,” says VoA president Seenu Arora. Incidentally, the Public Works Department (PWD), which cried of lack of funds, has floated tenders to begin work on incomplete drains in the area.
“It has become nightmarish to commute on the two km stretch that joins the NRI Colony to main Loharka Road. Our efforts to reach officials concerned and leaders have not yielded any results. Roads are almost non-existent in the area. Main private schools, including Cambridge International, Mount Litera, are on the stretch leading towards Loharka. Parents are concerned about their childrens safety. It is not safe to commute on the road, especially when it rains,” says Aseem Seth, a businessman and resident of NRI Colony.
“If the department fills potholes with debris or even puts sign boards to caution drivers, it will be a big help. Until then, we are just waiting for a tragedy to happen,” says Seenu.
Manholes in some areas are causing accidents as their level is few inches above the road.
Even former Cabinet Minister Lakshmi Kanta Chawla has written about the issue to Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora and Municipal Commissioner.
In her communiqué to the Mayor, Chawla said, “Looks like Amritsar municipal limits includes only areas like Mall Road, Court Road and Civil Lines because others places inside the walled city and on the outer periphery are being ignored and are in shambles. The issue of water-logging is not new. The people have been suffering from for the past few years, but the administration has failed to provide a sustainable solution.”
“Dumping garbage and water-logged roads, blocked drains is what the people in these areas are living with,” she added.
