Ensure regular cleaning, repair of highways within city limits: Ludhiana MC chief to NHAI official

For ensuring cleanliness across city and safety of commuters, Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal has written to the Project Director (PD) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), seeking regular cleaning and repair of highways passing through the city and sewerage (on the highways).

In the letter written to the PD, the civic body Commissioner has mentioned that stretches of the highways (starting from the MC limits on Chandigarh road up to MC jurisdiction near Samrala Chowk; from the MC limits on the Delhi road up to the MC limits till the Jalandhar bypass and the stretch of the Ferozepur road elevated road project moving through the city) are heavily littered with garbage, construction debris and other waste material. It not only creates an unsightly appearance but also poses a health hazard to the public. The stretches should be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure a safe and clean environment for commuters and pedestrians.

Further, it has been stated that highway road portions at a number of locations are badly damaged, with potholes and uneven surfaces causing difficulties for vehicles and risking the safety of commuters. These areas need immediate repair and resurfacing works to prevent further deterioration and potential accidents.

Also, there are frequent sewerage blockages along the stretches of the highways, resulting in water accumulation, foul smell and potential health issues. The NHAI authorities should address the issue by cleaning the sewer lines and ensuring proper drainage to prevent future blockages.

The MC chief said the following matters require urgent intervention and resolution given the importance of these stretches for both local and long-distance traffic.

Further, it has been stated that the NHAI should coordinate with the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, to expedite the cleaning, repair and maintenance works.