NGO pleads against wastage of prime GLADA land for club

LUDHIANA: The Anti-Corruption Federation of India (TACFI) - an NGO, has pleaded with the Punjab Government to change the location of recreation centre/club proposed to be constructed on main Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road, opposite Vardhman Textile Industries, as it would amount to wastage of prime land of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) for unproductive purpose besides causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to residents in the adjoining residential colonies.

Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 6

The Anti-Corruption Federation of India (TACFI) - an NGO, has pleaded with the Punjab Government to change the location of recreation centre/club proposed to be constructed on main Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road, opposite Vardhman Textile Industries, as it would amount to wastage of prime land of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) for unproductive purpose besides causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to residents in the adjoining residential colonies.

In a representation submitted to the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development, the TACFI said that land measuring 2.97 acres (located on the main Chandigarh Road) allotted for construction of Eastend club, carried a very high commercial value as this site could be converted into SCOs/ SCFs.

The representation added that the fair market rates of SCOs/SCFs in Sector 32A located nearby to the proposed site of club were around Rs 2.25 to to 2.50 lakh per square yard. “If the land proposed to be allotted to recreation centre/club is used for commercial purpose and sold in open market, it is likely to fetch around Rs 200-250 crore.”

Further, the club, proposed to be constructed on main Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road, would lead to chaos and inconvenience due to traffic congestion forever which would directly affect the fundamental rights of people at large.

The TACFI said that two pockets of low-potential land towards rear side of Vardhman Textile was available with GLADA with total area of around 12 acres having nearly 1,600 feet of front on the 80’ wide road. “This area is perfect location for setting up of a club as it connects Chandigarh Road with Sector 32A main road. Moreover, non-existence of residential colony around this location and availability of ample parking space will make it a most suitable site for this purpose,” the representation added.

NGO cites revenue loss, inconvenience

According to Kapil Arora, Techical Consultant to TACFI, it has been emphasised that the government should shift the location of the club from the main Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road as it would not only lead to serious and life-threatening problems to nearby residents but also cause major loss of revenue to GLADA.