2024 slips without fulfilling major demands in Ahmedgarh, Payal

Mandi Ahmedgarh/Payal, December 28

Inadequate civic amenities, overflowing sewage, inadequate water supply, staff shortage at majority of government offices, besides potholed roads remained unresolved issues contrary to expectations of residents of the Ahmedgarh and Payal subdivisions who dreamt of a complete transformation during the year.

Despite claims being made by Aam Aadmi Party leaders regarding development made during the year, leaders of rival parties accused them (AAP leaders) of allegedly interfering in implementation and execution of developmental projects in certain areas. AAP legislators Prof Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra and Engineer Manwinder Singh Giaspura have claimed that the process for fetching substantial grants for development and maintenance works had already been started and work on certain projects is near completion.

Highs

First half of the year witnessed satisfactory pace of development and maintenance works, especially in rural localities of Ahmedgarh and Payal subdivisions with eye on harnessing political mileage in the recent Lok Sabha Election, followed by Panchayat elections. Construction and repair of drains and streets at Ahmedgarh, Payal, Malaudh and Sihar besides majority of villages were undertaken at exceptionally fast speed though some works were yet to be completed.

Residents are glad that the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), established at Malaudh in Payal subdivision that had almost remained deserted during past years, has once again started functioning normally. Similarly Government High School near Bajrang Akhara has proven a boon for students coming from poor families. Construction and repair of roads connecting Ahmedgarh and surrounding villages with Rara Sahib, Payal and Bija is reported to have eased motoring for commuters.

Civic bodies at Ahmedgarh, Payal, Malaud and prominent villages of Ahmedgarh and Payal subdivisions had received enough grants for strengthening sewage and water supply systems. Work started for setting up of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Dehliz road at the estimated cost of rs 10 crore is almost complete and two new tube-wells have been installed at cost of rs 2 crore. Construction of a new building for accommodating all administrative offices of Ahmedgarh Subdivision has also been completed. Residents of the region will be saved from botheration of shuttling between distantly located different hired premises.

Lows

The region is still waiting for the setting up of government institutes for higher studies in the region. While a foundation stone for Government Degree College Ahmedgarh laid by then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, over 44 years ago on April 12, 1979, is still waiting for its promotion from a pillar of bricks, Government College at Karamsar is persistently facing staff shortage.

Condition of the majority of roads connecting Ahmedgarh and Payal with surrounding towns and villages is also bad. None of the political parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bhartia Janta Party (BJP) and the party in regime in Punjab can boast of undertaking construction and repair work on roads during their respective regimes. Ahmedgarh-Kanganwal Road, Ahmedgarh-Dhulkot Road, Ahmedgarh-Dehliz Road , Jagera-Sihar Road and Lasara Link Road are among the worst affected link roads of the region. Many localities at Ahmedgarh, Payal, Malaudh and dozens of localities of regions lack adequate street light facilities. Timing of working of lamp posts was also said to be irregular, thus forcing residents to walk in darkness at early mornings and evenings.

Farmers are forced to draw from ground to irrigate crops as the canal irrigation system is inconspicuous in the region. Residents demand that brooks and drains should be constructed to make the supply of Canal available to farmers under Punjab Government’s endeavor to reduce the use of groundwater. Residents want a Nursing College for Girls to be established in this region falling under Ludhiana and Malerkotla district, either by the Punjab Government or in collaboration with some private entrepreneur.