Critical neglect of civic issues plagues Nawanshahr

Troubled by crippling civic amenities, residents of Nawanshahr have sought the intervention of the Governor of Punjab, highlighting rising environmental degradation and poor basic amenities.

Social activist and environmentalist Ashwani Joshi wrote to the Governor in this regard on July 30, highlighting the poor condition of roads, garbage burning, stray dog

menace and incessant cutting of trees.

In the letter, Joshi most critically cited the damaged road leading to the railway station that has huge potholes. She said it had literally paralysed the business opportunities for locals. Another issue raised includes the burning of garbage on roadsides. The activist’s letter highlights the city’s cleaning and garbage disposal lapses that pose a significant health risk to the residents.

Joshi also highlighted the “indiscriminate cutting of trees”, reportedly on behalf of the ruling party leaders that harms the ecosystem and threatens future generations.

The final issue raised in the letter states that there is a surge in the number of stray dogs in the municipal areas. The residents are suffering from poor road safety, accumulated garbage and a surge in the population of stray dogs that the Nawanshahr Nagar Council allegedly seems to have failed to address for long.

Speaking to The Tribune, Joshi said, “The governance of Nawanshar Nagar Council seems to be failing due to gross neglect over a long period, allegedly exacerbated by petty politics. As a result, the public continues to suffer.”

Harwinder Hafizabadi, a local, said, “There is a permanent garbage-related problem on the Rahon and Banga roads. People also set waste to fire that pollutes the atmosphere. A pack of 15 to 16 stray dogs roam on almost every street, making it difficult for commuters and passerby, including children and the elderly, to cross the stretch.”

Bahadur Chand Arora, another resident, said, “The Railway Road was dug up a few years ago and now, it has turned into a sludge pool during the monsoon season. It has led to several accidents. All these issues must be addressed at the earliest.”