Ludhiana North: Buddha Nullah remains vexed issue

Manav Mander

Buddha Nullah is the main issue in the constituency as it has become a major source of pollution and turned the city into an open drain. Although the Municipal Corporation has spent around Rs 9.55 crore on cleaning of the Buddha Nullah since 2000, it

has failed to stop pollution in the stream.

Buddha Nullah remained an issue during the previous Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and MC elections. Successive governments have failed to make the nullah pollution-free. “The stench emanating from Buddha Nullah makes the life hell and during monsoons the things become even worse,” said Kirpal, living along the nullah.

Besides, the authorities closed the bridge opposite Chand Cinema for traffic a year ago, citing it to be unsafe for commuting. “The government has not taken any action to repair or rebuilt the bridge. People have to take a detour to reach Jagraon and old city areas,” said Jagmohan, who works in a cold store.

Stray cattle also remain an issue. These can be seen moving freely on the roads and causing accidents, especially during night. “Stray cattle should be either sent to ‘gaushalas’ or rehabilitated by launching some project,” said Jagdish, a resident

Locals’ key demands

• Cleaning of Buddha Nullah
• Better civic amenities
• Chand Cinema bridge opening
• Check on stray cattle menace

Past trend

Rakesh Pandey is a five-time MLA from here. It was in 1992 that Pandey was elected an MLA. He won continuously for four terms from the segment. BJP’s Parveen Bansal, who also remained senior deputy mayor, defeated Pandey in a close contest in 2012.

Electorate strength

Total voters: 1,96,207

Male: 1,04,506

Female: 91,678

Third gender: 23