Water tanks at Joggers’ Park cry for attention

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 23

Joggers’ Park is crying for attention and the civic authority seems to be least bothered about it as water stored in the four water tanks is dirty as thick algae is floating over it. Besides, slush has got accumulated in the tanks.

Surprisingly, water tanks have dried or have less water a few days ago due to the closure of the Sirhind Canal for 20 days. Despite this no effort was made by the departments concerned to clean these water tanks, from where the water is supplied to city areas.

The four lakes, fed by the Sirhind canal, are not cleaned for days, turning into eyesores and a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A pointer to this fact is a thick layer of algae has started growing over the surface of the water.

Senior Deputy Mayor Tarsem Goyal said, “It is a serious lapse on the part of the officials concerned as this issue is directly related with the health of the people. They should plan and eagerly wait for cleaning, desilting and maintenance of the water tanks regularly and annually.”

It is pertinent to mention that the park was inaugurated by a Punjab minister amidst much fanfare but the lakes planned as part of the project to beautify the place, now paint a picture of neglect.

The first-of-its-kind project with tracks exclusively dedicated for jogging and cycling alongside the water tanks of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) was developed at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore.

Pushpinder Singh, a city resident, said the park was a glowing example of how the government spent and then forgot all about the taxpayer’s money. The authorities and leaders always take credit for the projects but no one takes the responsibility of the forgotten projects”.

Another resident Gaurav Garg said it was sad and disheartening to see dirt in the water which was served and used by city residents. He asked the district administration should immediately start cleaning of these tanks as it was a major health hazard.