Wild growth of grass on central verges of roads irks commuters

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 16

The wild growth of weeds and grass in central verges on most roads in the city has irked commuters. Due to the lackadaisical attitude of the Municipal Corporation, the thick vegetation is even creating a hurdle in the movement of traffic. Both sides of GT road — from Golden Gate to UBDC canal — have good plantation and shrubs on the central and side verges. But due to wild growth in the rainy season, the shrubs have started covering some areas of the road.

At some places, the problem is so severe that two-wheeler riders get stuck amid the overgrown shrubs. These fully grown trees have overshadowed the street-lights, forcing commuters to move on the dilapidated city roads in the dark.

“On the Court Road, the administration has grown beautiful bougainvillea on the central verges. But now, it needs pruning as trunks have grown toward the road. These overgrown bougainvillea pose inconvenience to the commuters. The MC should take care of it,” said advocate Randhir Kumar.

It’s not just central verges. The rainy season has resulted in an increase in wild growth of grass and other weeds at vacant spaces, including the plots around government buildings and hospitals across the city. Residents complained that such wild growth provides shelter to reptiles which made them fearful.

The tall grass in residential localities is worrying nearby residents. Along with the wild grass, rain has also nurtured harmful weeds like gajar booti and others which are known skin irritants. These weeds are also dangerous for animals, especially stray cows, which graze on them.

“Reptiles such as snakes take shelter in wild growth due to dampness of the ground. The residents arrange labourers to remove the weeds. The Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) and MC should make efforts to remove the weeds in their respective areas,” said Anil, a resident of Majitha Road.