Dwellers given Mundian flats sans sanitary fittings, power

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 13

After being shifted from the encroached land, along the Jagraon Bridge to the flats at Mundian, the dwellers are a harried lot as electricity wires, taps, door bolts and other items were found missing in the flats.

Unavailability of the power supply has also increased the woes of dwellers at Mundian flats. Meanwhile, the water is supplied through tankers to them as direct water supply is yet to be provided.

The MC had started the anti-encroachment drive against the encroached buildings in vicinity of the Jagraon Bridge as work for reconstruction of this bridge was getting delayed. After demolishing 97 structures on Tuesday, the drive continued on Wednesday to demolish remaining structures.

Many of the families have been shifted to the flats at Mundian on the Chandigarh Road till Wednesday afternoon. Besides, the documentation process was underway for shifting of remaining families, said an MC official.

The flats were filled with dust and cobwebs when allotted to the dwellers.

The water pipes have not been connected with water tanks installed on the rooftop of various buildings. The dwellers complained about filthy bathroom and toilets. Many people took bath with water supplied through tanker.

“We do not know whether sewer system is functioning or not. This small size flat is not sufficient for our big family. Earlier, I used to work in the houses located near the Jagraon Bridge. The distance between Mundian and Jagraon Bridge is around 12 kilometers. Now, I have to find a new job here. It is a big change in my life,” said a woman.

A vendor, Kala, said: “I cannot do work for last two days as I am busy in shifting. I sell ‘gol gappe’ near the Jagraon Bridge. I do not understand what to do next?”

Another woman, Aarti, said: “I and my mother spent all time on cleaning the flat that was allotted to us on Tuesday. I have kept our articles inside the flat. Now, we have been asked to vacate the flat and get shifted to another one. It is sheer harassment.”

Superintending Engineer, Navjot Singh, said, the wires were being reinstalled while temporary power supply connections would be arranged. “The work is on to arrange water supply connections. As flats were lying vacant for past over two-years, some items have been stolen. We would ensure all other required facilities within next 10 days,” said he said.