Protest over poor upkeep of New Amritsar locality

Residents staged a demonstration against the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) for poor upkeep of New Amritsar locality and long-pending demands yesterday. They are upset over tardy garbage lifting and poor sanitation in the locality. The AIT has developed the locality and charged hefty development charges from residents, but failed to provide basic amenities.

Baljeet Singh Bhullar, a resident of the area, said the AIT spent a minimal amount on maintenance of the locality. He said the condition of locality was deteriorating with each passing day. He said 50 per cent streetlights were lying defunct. LED lights were missing from poles, he said while adding that even poles were missing from some spots in the locality. The AIT had installed fancy streetlights in the area. Ironically after showing poles on papers some of these were removed, he said.

Jagroop Singh, another resident said, “The AIT seems unconcerned about green belts as officials removed grills installed by residents outside their houses recently. Six feet tall weed has grown on the green belt near main road. Anti-social elements and addicts hide at the spot. A police post has been shifted from locality. Thefts are common in the area.”

Lakhbir Singh, another resident said, “The government had proposed a flyover on the main GT road outside New Amritsar locality. The road witness regular traffic jams and accidents. A flyover should be constructed immediately. A seven acre park is in poor condition despite AIT’s claims of spending Rs 5 crore on it. A Vigilance inquiry should be ordered on funds spent on the park.”