At 65, she’s bringing unused underpass to life

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 1

A 65-year-old woman voluntarily started a cleanliness campaign at a pedestrian underpass, which was in a state of neglect and not being used at Aggar Nagar on the Ferozepur Road (NH-95).

When the much-awaited pedestrian underpass was inaugurated in November 2014, political leaders were seen jostling to get their pictures clicked to claim credit. But nobody paid any attention for its maintenance thereafter.

Rajesh Garg, with the support of her husband Dr IK Garg (72), wanted to see pedestrians use this underpass that was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs3.5 crore. Thus, she deployed labourers on her own to ensure cleanliness at the underpass.

The neglected underpass was openly being used for open defecation, presenting a shabby look. Moreover, some cracks had appeared on its walls. As many as 13 shops were constructed at the underpass, but these were never given on lease.

When the underpass was opened three years ago, residents were happy as their demand was fulfilled after 13 years. They also demanded from the civic body to deploy a security person at the underpass, but to no avail.

Rajesh Garg said: “A large number of accidents have taken place at the Aggar Nagar intersection in the absence of traffic lights. We wanted that the underpass be brought to public use to ensure pedestrians’ safety. When I spoke to the MC officials, they supported our cause.”

She said the walls and floors are being washed and cleaned. “Earlier, the underpass was in a pathetic condition. We also want that traffic lights be installed at Aggar Nagar intersection to avoid mishaps,” she said.

Dr IK Garg, who was a former head of department at farm machinery and power engineering department of PAU, said: “We want the civic body to deploy a security person here. It is difficult to cross the Ferozepur Road as it is one of the busiest roads. Efforts are on to make this underpass useful.”

For beautification of the underpass, the couple has planted plants near its entrance on Aggar Nagar’s Block-B side. The entrance area on Aggar Nagar’s Block-B side is also being cleaned. Residents want the civic body to remove garbage dump near the entrance of the underpass here. 

MC’s Joint Commissioner Kulpreet Singh said: “We have provided a sweeper to ensure cleanliness at the underpass. We will plan to conduct the auction of shops. Moreover, the staff concerned has ensured proper lifting of garbage from the dump.”