Illegal Gates on Ludhiana Roads Cause Major Inconvenience to Residents
Residents across Ludhiana are grappling with significant daily disruptions due to the illegal and permanent installation of gates on public roads. This widespread practice, which violates civic norms, has severely disrupted the daily routines of many locals, creating a persistent source of nuisance and harassment.
Violation of Civic Norms and Daily Disruptions
Despite clear municipal corporation guidelines stipulating that gates may only be closed between 11 pm and 5 am with security personnel present, numerous housing colonies have taken it upon themselves to seal certain streets permanently. Many of these gated roads are crucial thoroughfares, often serving as shortcuts to adjoining areas. The closures force commuters, including schoolchildren, patients, and daily travelers, to take longer alternative routes, causing immense inconvenience and delays.
Hotspots of the Problem Across the City
The issue is particularly acute in several key neighborhoods:
- Model Town: Closed gates near Gulati Chowk have blocked direct access to schools, colleges, and hospitals, impacting essential services.
- SBS Nagar E Block: Gates numbered 5 and 2 on Pakhowal Road remain permanently shut, with the streets being misused as unauthorized parking lots.
- Other Areas: Similar instances have been reported in Rajguru Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Haibowal, Urban Estate, and Civil Lines, where residents have arbitrarily restricted public access, disregarding both civic regulations and human rights.
In Urban Estate on Chandigarh Road, gates initially closed during the Covid-19 pandemic as a precautionary measure have never been reopened. A nearby school cites security reasons for this, yet the area near the gate is now being used as a scooter and cycle stand, highlighting misuse.
Residents Voice Their Frustrations and Ordeals
Local residents have expressed deep frustration over the situation. DS Reehal, a resident of Urban Estate, stated, "Despite repeated letters to the authorities concerned, nothing has been done till now. It is a blatant violation of the law and a source of harassment for the public."
Ritu Sharma, a mother of two, shared her plight: "My children have to walk an extra kilometre to reach school because the nearest lane is blocked. It's unfair that public roads are treated like private property."
Harbhajan Singh, a senior citizen from BRS Nagar, described a dangerous scenario: "All gates are closed at night and only one is open, forcing me to take a longer route to reach the hospital during an emergency. These gates are not just inconvenient, they are dangerous. A watchman should be deployed at every gate."
College student Amandeep Kaur questioned the city's development: "We talk about smart cities, but how can Ludhiana be smart if basic access roads are sealed illegally?"
Activist Criticism and Calls for Immediate Action
RTI activist Arvind Sharma strongly criticized the municipal corporation's inaction, emphasizing, "The municipal corporation has clear orders that gates can only be closed at night with security staff present. Permanent closures are a blatant violation of human rights and civic law. The authorities concerned must act before this turns into a city-wide menace."
He urgently called on the Municipal Commissioner and district administration to intervene, warning, "The law is being mocked in broad daylight. If the gates are not removed, Ludhiana's civic fabric will be affected under arbitrary restrictions."
Authorities Respond with Mixed Statements
When contacted, MC Commissioner Neeru Katyal noted that resident welfare societies manage these gates independently but stressed they cannot be closed during daytime. She said, "If any colony residents are facing any issue, it can be sorted out, but I haven't received any complaint so far."
Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) chairman Tarsem Bhinder mentioned that past complaints had led to gate removals. He added, "Now, most of the colonies have been transferred to the MC and at present no such complaint has been received by us."
This ongoing issue underscores a critical need for stricter enforcement of civic laws and prompt action to restore public access, ensuring Ludhiana's roads serve all residents fairly and efficiently.
