Encroachments galore in over 35 city parks: RTI

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 1

The Municipal Corporation has failed to get the encroachments removed from a number of parks in the city. An information obtained under RTI revealed that the encroachments are in over 35 parks of the city.

The matter regarding encroachments in the parks was raised multiple times but no concrete action has been taken in this regard. Now, a city resident has also complained to the Chief Minister against the encroachments in the parks of city.

According to the information, encroachments have come up in seven parks in Dr Ambedkar Chowk, Jalandhar Bypass circle. The encroachments have also come up in three parks of Focal Point circle, nine parks of Cheema Chowk circle, three parks of Basant Park circle, four parks of New Model Town circle and seven parks of Model Town Extension Park circle. The encroachments have also been found in some parks of Dugri Circle, Guru Nanak Pura circle and Out Park circle.

The encroachments in shape of religious structures have come up in some parks. Besides, some persons run their booths or other business from the parks. The vehicles are also being parked in some parks.

A resident of Chandar Nagar, Keemti Rawal said, “I have obtained information under RTI about encroachments in a number of parks. I am surprised that these encroachments are not being removed. Even police have encroached upon a park as per information obtained under RTI. I have written to the Chief Minister to issue directions to the authorities concerned for early removal of encroachments. These parks should be developed and green cover must be increased.”

He also demanded that the slum dwellers who are living in some parks should be rehabilitated and government should provide them houses at the earliest.

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