Garbage heaps, potholes dot road leading to New Grain Market
As wheat arrivals begin in the city’s new grain market, farmers have expressed dissatisfaction over the poor condition of the road leading to the grain market. The stretch, dotted with potholes and damaged patches, has been in this condition since the last wheat procurement season.
Despite repeated complaints raised during both previous wheat and paddy seasons, no repair work has been carried out so far.
Farmers say the broken road is not just a source of inconvenience, but also leading to financial losses. “We come from far-away places like Nangal Shama and Rasolpur and the road is in terrible shape. Trolleys carrying heavy wheat loads get damaged and fuel consumption goes up due to the slow movement. It's the same story every season and the administration ignores it,” said Amarjit Singh, a farmer from Nangal Shama.
Apart from the approach road, the condition inside the mandi is equally disappointing. Garbage heaps were seen piled up at multiple spots, with stray cattle roaming freely inside the market area. Farmers and labourers also complained of the lack of basic amenities such as drinking water and washrooms.
“It’s not just uncomfortable, it’s unhygienic,” said Harbans Lal, a farmer from Ballan, adding that there is no proper drinking water and sewage stands accumulated near water taps, no washrooms and filth all around. "We have to sit here for hours waiting for our turn, but there’s no arrangement for cleanliness or comfort", he said.
Sukhdev Singh, who came from Nagra, added, “The mandi looks like a dumping ground. It's hard to believe this is a government facility meant for foodgrain procurement.”
Farmers coming from different parts of the district, including Hoshiarpur Road, Ballan, Kala Sanghian, Talhan, Bolina and Rasolpur and among other places, say they had hoped for better arrangements this year but are disappointed again.
Local residents who use the same road daily have also voiced frustration. “We’ve been complaining for over a year now. The road is unsafe for two-wheelers and inconvenient for everyone, not just farmers. The Municipal Corporation seems least bothered,” said Harjit Kaur, a local resident.
Another farmer Kashmir Singh said, "Though procurement has started, the ground reality shows a lack of planning and upkeep".
DC Himanshu Aggarwal stated that the situation at the mandi was well under control, with all necessary arrangements in place, as he had personally visited the site just two days ago.
He said the water accumulation was likely due to recent rainfall and garbage scattered by speedy winds over the past few days. He further added that the DMO and SDM had been instructed to ensure that everything is properly organised after the rain. Since the season has just begun, the administration is committed to making sure that farmers face no difficulties moving forward.
