P’kot development projects in limbo, yet credit war on

vi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Pathankot, January 15

Notwithstanding the tall claims pertaining to developmental works made by MLA Amit Vij and Mayor Anil Vasudeva, residents feel that nothing tangible has been achieved at the ground level because both do not see eye to eye. Vij has been elected on a Congress ticket while Vasudeva is a BJP man.

“This is a major reason for the logjam that the city is facing. The Mayor wants to take credit for the Rs 120-crore sanctioned under the AMRUT scheme for sewerage and water supply facilities while the MLA says he is instrumental in bringing in the Rs 600-crore Pepsi bottling, dairy and juice plant to be set up on 45 acres in the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC). Both the initiatives will benefit the residents, but when will they do is in the realms of speculation,” said Pushp Lata, a resident of Abrol Nagar.

“Till now industrialists were not keen on setting up units at the IGC, but things will change once the plant becomes operational in March. It will not only provide employment to nearly 2,000 people but also enhance the income of hundreds of families as they will be entering into contract farming with the MNC,” Vij said.

The Mayor said the money sanctioned under the AMRUT scheme was due to his efforts. “I met Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri in March last year. The grant will go a long way in replacing the decade-old sewerage pipes. Drinking water supply, too, will be augmented in all three Assembly seats of the district,” said Vasudeva.

Sources said the grant would take time to see the light of the day. “Almost 50 per cent of the money has to be paid by the state government. Since it has no funds, officials have now approached the Asian Development Bank. This is a time-consuming process,” said a senior officer.

However, the MLA said AMRUT grant had been made possible because of his hard work.

“We do not mind the credit game being played by the MLA and the Mayor. But we want development. As far as Pathankot is concerned, it is all show and no substance,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident.