Harshraj Singh
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, April 2
A large number of illegal gates have come up in streets of various residential localities in the city. An information obtained under the RTI revealed that the MC has given permission for installation of only eight gates in different areas under its jurisdiction.
In a blatant violation of rules, a number of iron gates in the streets even remain closed during the day time. At many sites, no security guard is deployed at closed gates during night time. But, there is no check on these violations. Even, the MC has failed to maintain any information that how many unauthorised gates have been affixed in the streets under its jurisdiction.
According to the information obtained under RTI by an activist Rohit Sabharwal, the MC has granted permission for only one gate in street number 5 of Fateh Ganj Mohalla in MC’’s Zone A. Besides, the civic body has granted permission for gates at seven sites in Zone D areas. As per record of the drawing/building branch, no permission was granted for installation of any gate in Zone B and Zone C areas.
A number of residents are in support of the gates as they claimed these gates were installed for security purpose to avoid the theft and snatching incidents in their respective areas. However, several residents have been raising voice against such gates in the streets.
A proposal was presented before the MC House members in 2014 regarding allowance of gates on public streets with conditions and it was sent to government for final approval.
The MC had strictly mentioned in the proposed conditions that the gates should remain open from 5am-11pm.
A city resident said, “It is totally wrong to keep the gates closed during the day time. No security guard is deployed for night hours at many of closed gates in the city. In case of emergency, the people are forced to suffer due to closure of gates. MC should check these violations.”
AK Bhandari, a resident of Kitchlu Nagar, said, “It is responsibility of the government to ensure security of the people and take necessary steps to control the theft and snatching incidents. If security is ensured, there would be no need for installation of such gates in the streets.”
Municipal Town Planner SS Bindra said he has given instructions to the staff concerned to conduct survey of all gates in all four zones of the city. He said, “If welfare association of any colony applies for installation of gate, permission can be granted after verification done by the police. We will serve notices to the associations concerned to take permission and follow the conditions fixed by the civic body otherwise required action would be initiated.”
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.