PUDA Complex in a shambles as civic body officials fail to address key issues

The PUDA Complex here, once a prestigious hub housing media houses, banks, insurance companies, food joints and other offices, now lies in a state of utter neglect. Broken roads, overflowing garbage, non-functional streetlights and parking lots encroached upon by scrap dealers have turned the complex into a nightmare for visitors and employees alike.

This glaring example of official apathy thrives right under the nose of the Municipal Corporation (MC), with no signs of improvement despite numerous complaints.

The parking lots meant to provide convenience to visitors and employees have become scrapyards and sales points for second-hand car dealers.

These dealers occupy the space early each morning, leaving legitimate users scrambling for parking. “This illegal encroachment makes it nearly impossible to find space to park, forcing many to park their vehicles haphazardly on broken roads,” said a frustrated employee of a media house.

Sanitation issues further compound the problem. Overflowing garbage on vacant plots, stagnant water and unkempt surroundings make the complex a health hazard. Visitors and SCO owners complain that the unhygienic conditions are driving people away, impacting business and tarnishing the image of the complex.

Adding to the misery are roads riddled with potholes, making navigation within the complex hazardous. At night, non-functional streetlights plunge the area into darkness, raising safety concerns. Owners of SCOs argue that such neglect in a space hosting important offices and media establishments reflects the civic body’s indifference to public grievances.

“It’s shocking. If the authorities can’t maintain a complex that houses PUDA’s own office and witnesses heavy footfall, one can only imagine the state of other areas in the city,” said Prabhmeet Kaur, a regular visitor to the area.

Officials of PUDA, when contacted, clarified that maintenance of the complex had been handed over to the MC two years ago. However, stakeholders allege that the MC has done nothing to address their concerns. “Our complaints fall on deaf ears. The officials seem utterly indifferent to the complex’s state,” lamented an SCO owner.

Meanwhile, MC officials claimed that the responsible officers would be instructed to take necessary action to restore the complex to its early condition.