Ludhiana: Pre-election beautification schemes in Punjab have sparked outrage among locals, who argue that their basic needs for running water and functional roads are being ignored in favor of superficial projects. The latest controversy surrounds a ₹39 lakh tender floated by the municipal corporation to construct a decorative entrance in Haibowal, which residents say will stand amid heavily potholed roads next to the polluted Buddha Dariya river.
Decorative Gate Amid Potholes and Pollution
Residents point out the irony of building a luxury gate at a location where the road is riddled with potholes and the river emits a foul smell. The gate project is part of a broader pattern of contentious civic spending, which includes tenders for a swimming pool near the toxic river and a commercial vending zone built over a local green belt.
Political Pressure Accelerates Projects
A senior municipal official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that these projects were fast-tracked under political pressure. Administrative objections were reportedly overruled by politicians seeking to appease voters before the upcoming polls. “The roads have developed massive potholes right at the entrance of our neighborhood,” said Haibowal resident Richa Gupta. “Instead of fixing them, they are planning these gates. No one cares about a gate when their vehicles are being damaged by the roads.”
Residents Demand Basic Infrastructure
Locals argue that the civic body is ignoring severe deficiencies in water supply, sanitation, encroachment, and air quality in favor of superficial developments. Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, who represents Ludhiana West in the state assembly, had originally proposed decorative gates for the city’s main boundary entry points. However, municipal officials quietly dropped that plan, diverting the money to random neighborhood wards instead.
Vote-Bank Politics Alleged
“This is nothing but vote-bank politics,” said Rajinder Singh, a resident of Bank Colony. He noted that previous vanity projects—including converting public parks into volleyball courts—now sit abandoned and unmaintained. “There is a clear need to fix our basic problems first,” he added.
The situation highlights a growing disconnect between government priorities and public needs, as election season approaches.
