Neglected space opposite Maqsudan police post turns into garbage dump

A vast space opposite the Maqsudan police chowki, originally earmarked for a green zone, has instead turned into a massive garbage dump. Negligence by the municipal corporation (MC) and the lack of proper space at the police post to store seized or unclaimed vehicles has resulted in the area becoming an eyesore.

Adding to the problem, scrapped vehicles belonging to the police chowki are parked at the dump site, tarnishing the area’s appearance.

The situation has further worsened with the Maqsudan police allegedly encroaching upon a nearby park, which has now been converted into a scrapyard. Local residents are furious, citing health hazards and inconvenience caused by the misuse of public spaces by the police.

“The police have taken over crucial public areas like roads, the park and even the service lane opposite the chowki for storing impounded vehicles. The area has become a garbage dump. It’s now a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects,” said Manohar Lal, a Maqsudan resident.

However, the problem is just not restricted to Maqsudan. Other police chowkis and stations in the city face similar issues with scrapped vehicles covered in dust and rust occupying available spaces and creating a chaotic environment for visitors and residents alike.

Amandeep Kaur, another resident, highlighted the worsening condition at the Division No. 7 police station where the parking lot is overrun with seized vehicles. “Visitors have no choice, but to park their vehicles on the road which restricts the movement of pedestrians and commuters. With no mechanism to dispose of these vehicles, their numbers keep growing, adding to the chaos,” she said.

Police officials, meanwhile, say vehicles must remain in custody until court trials conclude or release orders were issued. However, with no dedicated yard or parking facilities, vehicles end up in whatever open spaces are available near police stations.

SSP (Rural) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The SSP said he had plans to relocate the Maqsudan police chowki to the rural area, as it falls within city limits and lacks sufficient space for vehicle parking.

“We are actively working on relocating the chowki. As of now, I will direct officials concerned to immediately look for a temporary solution so that residents don’t face problems,” he said.

MC Joint Commissioner Sumandeep Kaur also promised swift action in this connection. “We will hold a meeting with police officials to devise a joint solution. Our priority is to maintain green belts and ensure that residents face no inconvenience,” she said.