Green spaces can help instill civic sense

Will reduce air, dust pollution

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With urbanisation on the rise and limited recreational areas available, the residents of Ludhiana—especially children and the elderly—are deprived of essential green spaces. Simultaneously, many vacant plots across the city remain unused and have unfortunately become dumping grounds for garbage. Converting these vacant lands into public parks or community gardens offers a sustainable solution to multiple problems. Green spaces not only improve the environment by mitigating dust and air pollution, but also enhance the beauty of the city which can significantly bolster the mental and physical well-being of the residents. Local authorities, in conjunction with community engagement, can significantly influence this transformation. Even small plots can be developed into green corners with benches, trees and walking paths. Instead of being eyesores and waste dumps, these lands have the potential to become the city’s thriving lungs. Creating public green spaces is not just about beautification—it’s a necessity for a healthier, cleaner, and more liveable Ludhiana. The time to act is now, before more spaces are lost to neglect and misuse.

Novin Christopher

Make industrial city aesthetically pleasing

Improve Ludhiana has a few well-planned and grassy lawns. Although, it is a smart city and must have more. There are some plots in different localities that are lying unused. However, many of these plots are being used for dumpling waste. This makes the city look shabby, not to mention the unhygienic conditions it creates for residents. The waste emanates foul smell and add to pollution simultaneously. The Municipal Corporation must take action to convert these vacant plots into green and grassy sites. This step would not only give the industrial city a better look but would also not improve the city’s environment. The vacant plots in different areas should not be allowed to remain unused, especially if they are being used as dump yards. The city administration must turn them into green areas.

Gautam Dev

Help nurture biodiversity

The proposal would indeed be a significant step towards a greener and cleaner Ludhiana. Conversion of vacant/barren land into green belts would not only nurture biodiversity in the city but would also help develop natural air conditioning corridors. It would encourage outdoor activities and foster community interactions which have been lost in the digital age. One can often come across barren land or vacant plots in the city that have become garbage dumps, this is an indelible blot on our urban society. This initiative will enhance the environmental landscape along with improving air quality. Since we all know that drastic times call for drastic measures, it is high time to cut this Gordian knot so that we can lead a better quality of life.

Hardeep Singh Ahuja

Prevent illegal dumping of waste

To address the problem of poorly maintained public parks and vacant lots in our city, two critical initiatives can be implemented. First, these areas should be converted into community-managed green spaces. Local resident welfare associations or school eco-clubs can adopt these plots, with assistance from the Municipal Corporation, to plant trees, build walkways, or install basic seating and lighting. This would not only improve urban aesthetics but also encourage citizens to be more environmentally responsible. Second, creating multipurpose recreational spaces for youth, such as open-air gyms, sports courts, or performance stages, can help ensure that these facilities are used and maintained properly. When young people are positively engaged, the danger of misusing or neglecting these areas decreases considerably. Such programmes would also serve to prevent the unlawful dumping and foster safe and lively community hubs.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Foster community ownership

Yes, converting vacant and poorly maintained plots into public green spaces is a brilliant idea. In urban areas where parks are limited, such initiatives can provide the much-needed recreational spaces for residents, promoting mental and physical health and improving air quality at the same time. Moreover, transforming these plots into parks can discourage people from using them as dumping grounds, thus reducing garbage and promoting cleanliness. To ensure sustainability, local municipal bodies can involve residents through “Adopt-a-Park” programmes, where communities take responsibility for maintaining green spaces. CCTV cameras, fencing and regular cleaning drives can help in the upkeep. Schools and NGOs can also be roped in to conduct plantation drives and awareness campaigns. Turning neglected spaces into vibrant parks would not only enhance the city’s beauty but also foster a sense of community ownership and responsibility.

Parmeet Kaur

Encourage more physical activity

Converting vacant pieces of land into public green spaces is an excellent idea, especially in a city which has only a few and very poorly maintained parks. Here’s why this approach could be beneficial and how it could help prevent illegal garbage dumping. We know that vacant plots are often turned into garbage dumping sites because they are neglected and unsupervised. Transforming them into well-designed green spaces with community involvement discourages misuse, as people are less likely to dump waste in a well-maintained, public-friendly area. Green spaces help combat air pollution, reduce urban heat and promote biodiversity. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods, making the city more liveable. Involving locals in the planning and maintenance of these spaces fosters a sense of ownership, making it more likely that the area be well kept. Moreover access to green spaces encourages physical activity, reduces stress and improves mental well-being, especially in densely populated urban areas. Residents must come forward to help the local government make the best use of vacant plots so a healthy environment may be created.

Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Clean or repurpose vacant land

Several plots in the city remain unutilised by their owners or are waiting to be auctioned by the development authorities. People continue to dump all kinds of waste—from horticulture, solid or C &D—these plots. Resultantly, this waste rots away and starts emitting foul smell, attracting mosquitoes, rodents and other animals, thus creating health hazards. Lives of the people living in the vicinity of such dumps becomes miserable. Permanent measures need to be worked out and the civic body must implement a regular schedule for cleaning such plots. If the plot owners don’t maintain cleanliness, the civic body should impose penalty against them and TS-1 certificate should not be issued in such cases. The authorities concerned must immediately auction off unsold plots and persuade the existing plot owners to either construct on the plots or build boundary walls temporarily to prevent these sites from turning into garbage dumps. People should be educated about the importance of proper waste disposal and the consequences of illegal dumping. Vacant plots can be transformed from dumping sites into valuable assets, if utilised as gardens, parks or for other recreational activities, besides parking lots.

RS SEMBHI

Transformation of neglected areas

Converting vacant land into public green spaces can greatly benefit the city. It would provide the much-needed recreational areas, enhance urban aesthetics and improve air quality. Additionally, green spaces will discourage garbage dumping and help beautify neighbourhoods. Community engagement and involvement are crucial for success, ensuring these spaces meet local needs. Sustainable maintenance plans and funding are also essential. Safety and security measures should be implemented to ensure public confidence. By repurposing vacant plots, cities can create healthier environments, foster community pride, and address issues like garbage dumping. This approach can transform neglected areas into vibrant spaces, benefiting residents and the environment. Effective planning and management are key to achieving these benefits and creating a more liveable city for everyone. This can lead to improved quality of life and community well-being.

Jaspreet Kaur

MC, NGOs should work in tandem

Converting vacant plots into green spaces will be useful for the public in general and resident in particular as these can boost the economic value of surrounding areas, benefiting local businesses. These would also help engage locals in designing and maintaining the spaces to ensure these meet their needs and remains protected. The local government must install benches, create walking paths, place trash cans and install streetlights to make these space more functional and inviting. The Municipal Corporation should partner with local organisations to ensure the upkeep of these spaces. They must also use fencing, signage and surveillance (where possible) to deter illegal activities. Residents must work with the municipal authorities to identify publicly owned or unused private land that can be legally repurposed. In a nutshell, converting vacant plots into green spaces is a smart and sustainable solution. It not only prevents garbage dumping but also improves urban ecology, public health and community well-being. With proper planning and local participation, these spaces can become valuable assets for the city.

Farzana Khan

Opportunity to reclaim clean future

In many urban areas, neglected land becomes a magnet for garbage and decay. But what if these eyesores were transformed into vibrant public green spaces? Converting vacant plots into parks or community gardens isn’t just about beautification, but it’s a powerful act of renewal. Green spaces improve mental health, reduce urban heat and foster community connections. More importantly, they discourage illegal dumping by replacing emptiness with purpose. With limited and poorly maintained parks in our cities, this is a golden opportunity to reclaim land for people, not pollution. Turning trash grounds into tranquil retreats can redefine our neighbourhoods—and our futures. It’s time to plant hope where waste once lay.

Eknoor Kaur

Offer of umpteen health benefits

Yes, converting vacant land into public green spaces is a productive solution to multiple urban problems. Such spaces can improve the environment, enhance community well-being, have many health benefits as well and prevent land misuse like garbage dumping. Green parks offer many benefits such as of environmental, economic and community benefits. These spaces help improve air quality as plants and trees releases more oxygen and are good for biodiversity. Not to mention they are great friend to humans in times of natural calamities such as thunderstorms, floods and tsunamis etc. Nowadays, we often witness health issues developing among older as well as younger people, but the development of these green parks would help reduce health issues by helping manage stress and anxiety, promoting overall well-being. The parks would also offer spaces to people to engage in physical activity, supporting a healthier lifestyle. Most importantly, these shall help solve the problem of garbage dumping. Therefore, the government should prioritise converting unused plots into sustainable green zones.

Japleen Kaur