Mandi Ward Watch - Purani Mandi: Mayor’s turf beset by civic issues

Dipender Manta

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Mandi, April 19

The lack of a proper parking facility, broken pedestrian paths and inadequate public toilet facilities are key civic issues residents of the Purani Mandi ward in the Mandi Municipal Corporation are facing. The ward represented by Mayor Virender Bhatt is also plagued with the menace of stray cattle and dogs. Besides, the residents are troubled by monkeys.

Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Purani Mandi ward, who is also president of Sheetla Sevak Society, said there was no proper parking facility in the area due to which the residents face huge inconvenience in parking their vehicles.

He said there was an urgent need to build parking lots at suitable places in the ward.

”There is no pedestrian path between Victoria Bridge and Bheuli along the Mandi-Pathankot highway. The 2-km stretch needs a pedestrian path so that people can walk safely,” he added.

Dinesh Kumar said pedestrian paths in the ward were broken at a few places and needed repair. He said between Bheuli and Victoria Bridge, there was no public toilet. “The work on an under-construction bridge, which connects Purani Mandi to Paddal ward, should be completed at the earliest,” he demanded.

Anil Kumar, another resident of the ward, said, “The drains from most households of the ward directly open into the Beas. There is a need to have a proper drainage system in the area. In the rainy season, water from most houses directly falls on pedestrian paths, which makes walking difficult for people. The residents should be directed to ensure that water from roofs goes into the drainage. Some houses in the ward still lack sewerage facility.”

”Stray dogs can be seen roaming in the streets posing threat to people, especially children and senior citizens. The Municipal Corporation authorities should find a solution to the problem. Stray cattle menace is also a major issue, which need to be addressed. Besides, monkey menace is also a major concern for the area residents,” he added.

Mandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Virender Bhatt said broken pedestrian paths were being maintained, while efforts were on to set up a parking lot in the ward. “Due to a delay in land transfer, we could not start construction work for the parking lot,” he added.

The Mayor said the issue of constructing a pedestrian path between Bheuli and Victoria bridge will be taken up with the National Highways Authority of India.

Bhatt said the Municipal Corporation authorities are looking for a solution into the menace of stray animals.

He said every possible effort was being made to speed up development works in the ward.