Ludhiana's Buddha Dariya Green Belt Now a Neglected, Eerie Wasteland
In the Kundanpuri area of Ludhiana, the green belt developed along the Buddha Dariya drain has transformed into a haunting, desolate landscape. Visitors who venture into this space are often met with gnarled branches, rampant weeds, and an overwhelming sense of abandonment, especially after dark. The murky waters of the drain provide an eerie backdrop to the near-complete desolation, with no signs of the vibrant green space that was once promised with great fanfare.
Initial Promise and Swift Decline
When authorities initially developed this area, the message was clear: the beleaguered Buddha Dariya was finally being taken seriously. Facing widespread criticism about the drain's poor condition from all quarters, the creation of a picturesque green belt seemed like the perfect solution. It was envisioned as a rejuvenated public space that would address environmental concerns while offering residents a place to relax.
However, this ambitious move soon fell flat. Civic officials abandoned the green belt to the elements, arguing that its maintenance was the responsibility of the horticulture branch. In turn, the horticulture branch cited a severe shortage of staff as the reason for their inaction on the ground. This bureaucratic passing of the buck has left the area in a state of neglect.
Political Criticism and Public Disappointment
The opposition was quick to call out the authorities for this failure. They questioned the rationale behind investing in plantation, fancy lighting, and benches for visitors when the nearby waters still reeked of pollution. Critics also pointed out that the green belt was developed on a busy stretch, making it an impractical location for visitors to sit back and relax.
Former councillor Parminder Mehta accused civic officials of wasting public money by letting infrastructure gather dust. He emphasized that people would have been eager to visit the green belt if the drain had been cleaned first, highlighting the disconnect between development and practical usability.
Ex-councillor and senior Congress leader Jaiparkash expressed surprise at the condition of the green belt, stating, "What is the point of fixing benches in a filthy atmosphere? Authorities who developed the green belt should also have arranged staff to manage it."
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Decay
The only saving grace in this dismal scenario is that the saplings planted during the initial development have grown into tall trees, offering a faint reminder of what could have been. Meanwhile, junior engineer of the horticulture branch, Kripal Singh, mentioned plans to hand over the maintenance work to a private firm. He stated, "We plan to hand work over to a firm which can maintain it and keep it clean for public use. The plants we sowed are fully grown now."
This potential step forward raises questions about whether outsourcing will finally bring the necessary attention and resources to restore the green belt to its intended purpose, or if it will remain a symbol of municipal neglect in Ludhiana.
