Ludhiana, Punjab – A significant road cavity near Arya Model School, located in close proximity to the Municipal Corporation’s (MC) Zone A office, has become a persistent hazard for commuters and residents for nearly two weeks, highlighting the civic body’s lapse in addressing fundamental civic issues.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the cavity, which emerged on the roadside, has rendered the stretch perilous for both motorists and pedestrians. The lack of prompt and effective repair work has exacerbated the situation, particularly during peak traffic hours when congestion in the area intensifies.
Municipal Corporation officials stated that the issue was brought to their attention only on Thursday, with repair work subsequently initiated. However, residents reported that MC officials had visited the site shortly after the cave-in was first noticed. Instead of commencing repairs, their response was to place a stick adorned with a helmet as a temporary warning sign. Locals have voiced frustration, alleging that this makeshift arrangement obstructs road space and contributes to confusion among drivers and pedestrians.
One commuter, Arvind Sharma, expressed his dismay, stating, “It has been around two weeks but nothing has been done. The warning sign itself is creating obstruction. It is a busy road and such negligence can lead to accidents.” The sentiment is shared by shopkeepers and residents of the locality, who described the open pit as a constant threat, especially after dark, and urged for immediate intervention from the authorities to prevent any untoward incidents.
The prolonged neglect of this basic infrastructure issue has also prompted questions regarding the Municipal Corporation’s priorities. While the MC is reportedly engaged in tendering processes for projects valued in crores, fundamental civic problems, such as the road cavity, remain unresolved for extended periods. This disparity in focus has drawn criticism from the public.
Kamal Ram, the Executive Engineer of the MC, provided an explanation for the damage, stating, “We are fixing the issue as due to rats in the sewer system, one wall of manhole was collapsed and the road got damaged.” He indicated that the sewer system’s integrity had been compromised by rodent activity, leading to the collapse of a manhole wall and subsequent damage to the road surface above.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban infrastructure management in ensuring timely maintenance and response to public safety concerns. The delayed action by the Municipal Corporation has underscored the need for more efficient and proactive measures to address critical civic deficiencies, particularly those that pose direct risks to public safety and daily life in the city.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
