Looking back 2024: Nothing to write home about, say residents
In Sahnewal, residents had to think twice before sharing positive developments in the town in the year 2024 whereas the ‘unaccomplished tasks’ were recounted without much effort. In the views of residents, the issues which demand immediate attention of the authorities have been overlooked for years together.
But for the barricades imposed by the traffic police on the Railway Road after the coverage of the matter in these columns, there is not much in Sahnewal’s kitty this year. Sahnewal is seldom at ease. The residents have to start from their places at least an hour before lest they should be caught up in the traffic mess. Further, the problem of scant medical staff in the community health centre, encroachments, setting of garbage on fire, shabby condition of link roads, repeated breaking of expansion joints of ROB, use of plastics, use of loudspeakers at religious places etc too have negatively affected the lives of the people in the town. Also, with industries growing in this part of the city, the groundwater has been rendered unfit for consumption. The unchecked draining of hazardous chemicals is adversely affecting the health of the residents.
HIGHS
Affixing of barricades
After the problem of traffic congestion was highlighted in these columns this month, the traffic police affixed barricades and dividers on the buzzing main market road of Sahnewal. The traffic police, under the directions of Ludhiana Police Commissioner, and with the assistance of local municipal council, asked the shopkeepers to remain within their defined limits or face the music.
Tenders passed
Tenders worth Rs 3.23 crore have been passed for street lights and revamping of streets, Rs 2 crore for water supply and Rs 3 crore for sewerage in ward number 21 to 25, Rs 43 crore for Rahon road, Rs 3.57 crore for streets and roads in MC limits, Further, 100 transformers, 20-km long cables and five feeders in Gonsgarh are in the pipeline.
LOWS
Encroachments here to stay
The protruding shops and rehri walas on both sides of the main market road, have added to the problem of traffic congestion manifold. The shopkeepers and rehri walas seem to be enjoying the pat by the authorities and the temporary removal amounts to just sprinkling dust in the eyes of the commuters and residents.
Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion in Sahnewal has assumed dangerous proportions, day in and day out, thanks to the traffic police which has done little to regulate the rush in the town and ease the problems being faced by the residents, passersby and commuters. To make matters worse, the traffic cops are missing during the peak hours and the commuters are found jostling with each other to reach their destined spots on time. The unrestricted entry of big trolleys in the town has taken a heavy toll on the commuters. Moreover, the authorities have failed to install traffic lights at Sahnewal chowk which can resolve traffic congestion to a great extent.
Women’s toilet at bus stand sans water
The urinal, especially constructed for women, near the Sahnewal bus stand, has been without water ever since it was constructed. No government agency has spared a thought with the result that it has become dreadful to cross the place.
Shortage of medical staff ails CHC
It has been years now that the townsmen and folks in surrounding villages of Sahnewal have been suffering due to scarcity of doctors in the CHC at Sahnewal. As a result, the poor patients have either to suffer or shell out a huge sum on private doctors. The hospital caters to a population of approximately 7 lakh.
Expansion joints of overbridge give way
The expansion joints of Sahnewal-Kohara railway over-bridge give way almost every year since the time it was erected in 2015. It is believed that the weight of the trolleys crossing the ROB every now and then is far more than the weight the ROB can actually bear. The authorities seem to be waiting for a major catastrophe to happen. To make matters worse, it is choked by traffic for a major part of the day.
Ban on string flouted
Lack of legal action against dealers and shopkeepers selling Chinese string has increased its use to a great extent. A number of lives, both of humans and animals, get endangered every year. The string can be found entangled in the feet of passersby. While the townsmen cry foul with each passing year, for the authorities it is a routine matter which may be attended to only when something adverse happens.
Use of loudspeakers goes unchecked
Residents of Sahnewal are feeling utterly helpless in the wake of high-pitched voices ringing from practically all four corners of the town, from one religious place or the other. The Nagar Panchayat of Sahnewal too has failed to come to the aid of the residents and provide any permanent solution to the problem. Despite the problem being highlighted through the media, the administration seems to have remained unmoved till date.
Sewage accumulation
A number of wards in the town stink due to overflowing sewer water, as the pipes installed for the purpose are of no use. Due to the low-holding capacity of the sewer pipes, the streets get flooded with sewage in no time and the stink and filth around is simply unbearable.
No water supply
The residents are practically getting no water supply at all. It is the disadvantaged section which has to strive to get water each day by any and every possible means. The water tank erected during the Akali regime failed to start and no one really bothered after that.
Garbage accumulation in houses
Garbage is not lifted for days together. The waste-picker either does not turn up, and if at all he does after 3-4 days, he lifts the garbage only from selected houses. This despite the fact that each home has to pay Rs 30, Rs 50 or even Rs 100 per month for getting the garbage lifted. The homes simply reel under the obnoxious smell of garbage.
