Furore over move to install statue in green belt

A feud has started over the recent proposal to install the statue of founder of Ramgarhia Misl Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in a green belt of PUDA Complex on Ladowali Road.

While a stone for installation of the statue has already been laid, shopkeepers of the area have come together to oppose the decision and have submitted a memorandum to the Jalandhar Development Authority (JDA) against the move. The installation of the statue was attended by Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur among others.

Kamlesh Rani, who owns a dhaba in the market, says, "I specifically bought the corner shop in the market on a higher bid as I was told that there was a green belt. I had been maintaining this green belt and had got planted expensive ornamental plants and fruit trees here for beautification. But two days ago, some digging was done and we got to know that a statue is being installed. The plan of the JDA for the market area cannot be changed at anyone's whims and fancies".

The shopkeepers have written in a memorandum given to the JDA, "We have no objection to the laying of the statue. We are only opposing the selection of the site". Shopkeepers Ashwin Kumar, Mohan Lal, Ashok Kumar and others have also cited the orders of the Supreme Court prohibiting the installation of statues in public utility spaces. They have also said the National Green Tribunal in its 2022 judgment had ruled that no construction of any nature could be carried out in a site earmarked for green belt. The shopkeepers have asked the Chief Administrator, JDA, to intervene in the matter and take steps to save the green belt.