Ludhiana MC flayed for setting up sewage treatment plant at Leisure Valley

Ludhiana, August 13

The Municipal Corporation has been setting up a sewerage treatment plant (STP) at Leisure Valley, which has received sharp criticism from residents of the area as well as walkers.

The walkers, who visit the Leisure Valley, said it would defeat the very purpose of coming to the valley for a walk. The nearby residents are also disturbed by the decision of the MC and have shot a letter to the MC Commissioner and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

“Sarabha Nagar is one of the posh localities of the city. Our houses are located opposite the Leisure Valley. The STP will emit foul smell and it will become difficult to live in the area,” said a resident of J block in Sarabha Nagar.

Another area resident said the plant should be shifted to some other place as it would make the life of local residents and people visiting the Leisure Valley difficult. The MC has spent crores of rupees on Smart City project but setting up the STP here would only add to the woes of the people.

The letter mentioned that the authorities had started the process of construction by putting up of a board related to the project. As the MC knew that the people would oppose it, so they have started the process in a concealed manner.

Santok Singh, a walker who daily visits the place in the morning and evening, said he comes from BRS Nagar to the Leisure Valley twice every day for a walk. “The STP will emit foul smell and it will defeat the very purpose of coming here for walk and fresh air,” he said.

However, a senior MC official said the STP being set up here is a small plant. It will not emit foul smell as only 200 kilolitres of water will be treated in it. “The treated water will be used to irrigate the Leisure Valley and other parks,” he said.