Panchkula trans-Ghaggar sectors turn into wilderness amid unchecked growth

The city's trans-Ghaggar sectors, once envisioned as some of the most desirable residential addresses, are now drawing criticism over unchecked wild growth at sidewalks, green belts and vacant plots. Residents say the thick undergrowth has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, insects and even reptiles, raising fears of a looming health crisis during the monsoon season.

The problem is particularly evident in Sectors 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31, as well as adjoining areas such as Madanpur, Moginand and Tribune Mitra Vihar. In these neighbourhoods, overgrown shrubs, weeds and stagnant water have become a common sight, sparking anger against the Municipal Corporation (MC) Panchkula and the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP).

Sector 25, among the most expensive localities with plot values crossing Rs 6-7 crore, has seen some of the sharpest criticism.

A resident remarked wryly, "The areas should be known as the great urban forests of Sector 25 Panchkula. The most expensive area of Sector 25, plots in excess of Rs 6-7 crore and this jungle. Salute the Panchkula Municipal Corporation."

The issue has irked even youngsters, with 12-year-old Natali Jindal of Sector 25 writing in an earnest appeal, "Dear MC Panchkula, I am requesting you to prune the wild growth in my area as it has become a breeding ground for insects and mosquitos causing harm to residents."

Concerns extend beyond Sector 25. Residents report that even designated green spaces are suffering from neglect. A section of Nirjhar Vatika is known to remain waterlogged during the rainy season, while the mango orchard in Sector 20 similarly turns into a swamp, providing fertile ground for mosquitoes. In Sector 20, a green belt behind Gopal Sweets reportedly stank of stagnant water after recent showers.

Mohit Gupta, founder of a civic issues help group, underlined the urgency, saying, "Vacant green areas and unoccupied plots have all become urban jungles in Panchkula. They are breeding grounds for mosquitos, insects and even snakes, posing a serious health

concern. MC Panchkula needs to clear this jungle-like growth and HSVP must ask unoccupied plot holders to maintain their plots immediately."

"Last year, too, Sector 25 residents had approached the Permanent Lok Adalat Utilities, Panchkula, to get the same done. Hopefully, they won't have to go to court again for such a basic civic facility," he added.

His point is echoed by a 2024 Permanent Lok Adalat order, which directed the authorities to "immediately clear the green belts, parks, road berms, roadsides and vacant plots in Sector-25, Panchkula from wild

grasses, stagnant water and other health hazards without any delay." Despite such directions, residents allege little has changed on the ground.

Complaints fall on deaf ears

Adding to residents' frustration, SK Nayar, President of the Citizens' Welfare Association, Panchkula, said complaints have been repeatedly filed with both the MC and Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, but action has remained sporadic at best.

"This is not the first time residents have raised the alarm. Time and again, written complaints and petitions have been lodged, but they gather dust in offices. It is shocking that people have to approach the courts for basic cleanliness, which is the fundamental duty of civic bodies," he remarked.