Model Town Market in Ludhiana battles rat infestation, traders seek action

Ludhiana’s upscale Model Town Market is facing an alarming rat infestation, causing significant financial losses to shopkeepers. The rodents, reportedly emerging from the nearby Gol Park, maintained by the Municipal Corporation, have damaged branded clothing, shoes and departmental store goods, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees.

Despite repeated complaints over the past year, traders alleged that the civic body had failed to take effective action.

Members of the Model Town Market Welfare Society have again shot a letter to the MC Commissioner, requesting to take action.

Traders are also preparing to take legal action against the corporation, citing negligence and poor maintenance of the park due to which rats burrow and multiply.

Society president Daljeet Singh Takkar and general secretary Jaswinder Singh highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that rats had even damaged retaining walls of the two city bridges.

Advisor Arvind Sharma said the infestation worsened due to incomplete work of the last year.

Municipal Corporation officials said a tender had been issued to redevelop the park, including pest control measures. In the interim, pesticide treatment was being planned to mitigate further damages. Shopkeepers, however, warn of protests and legal escalation if swift action was not taken in the matter.