Congress protests poor civic amenities

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, August 6

Congress leaders staged a massive protest at Company Bagh Chowk here today against the poor state of infrastructure in the city .

flags concerns

Most roads are riddled with potholes, sewers are either overflowing or choked in every third locality and non-functional streetlights create opportunities for snatchers and thieves. — Rajinder Beri, Ex-MLA

The protest saw participation from Jalandhar North MLA Bawa Henry, District Congress Committee, Urban president and former MLA Rajinder Beri, former Deputy Mayor Surinder Kaur and former councillor Sherry Chaddha.

The protest also drew support from presidents and members of various residential welfare societies and market committees, all voicing grievances over bad roads, overflowing sewers, contaminated water supply and non-functional streetlights. They raised slogans targeting the AAP government, accusing it of neglect despite the Local Bodies Minister hailing from Jalandhar.

“Most of the roads are riddled with potholes, sewers are either overflowing or choked in every third locality and non-functional streetlights create opportunities for snatchers and thieves,” said Beri.

He revealed that he along with other Congress leaders had approached the Municipal Commissioner about a month ago seeking resolutions to all these issues, but the lack of action compelled them to protest today.

Beri also highlighted the plight of market associations, which complained that they had been suffering from severe waterlogging and sewer blockages, affecting their businesses. “Everyday, colony residents protest against the contaminated water supply, power outages or poor road conditions,” he said, criticising the state government for failing to ensure basic necessities for its citizens.

Other leaders shared similar concerns, pointing out that many wards in Jalandhar are plagued by overflowing sewage, filthy drinking water and deteriorating roads. They also said garbage heaps were commonplace and streetlights are non-functional, besides the salaries of the MC’s maintenance workers had not been paid for the past eight months.

The Congress leaders said the Municipal Commissioner met them during the protest and had promised to address these issues in the coming days.