The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has stepped in to address growing concerns over the safety of a popular public park in Ludhiana. Acting on a formal complaint detailing regular thefts, the commission has officially taken cognisance of the matter and directed the city's top civic and police officials to submit a detailed report.
Activist's Complaint Triggers PSHRC Intervention
Social activist Arvind Sharma filed the complaint that brought the issue to the commission's notice. In his submission, Sharma highlighted the frequent thefts occurring at the Leisure Valley park in the upscale Sarabha Nagar area. He reported that thieves have been systematically stealing valuable fixtures, including park grills and lighting units, compromising the park's infrastructure and security.
The problem appears to be particularly acute in parks developed along the Sidhwan Canal. Municipal Corporation (MC) officials themselves acknowledge that these green spaces have become easy targets for miscreants. The primary reason cited is the near-complete absence of public movement in these areas during night hours, creating an ideal environment for criminal activity.
Systemic Issues and Official Helplessness
Investigations into the pattern reveal a troubling cycle. The MC had previously outsourced the maintenance of these parks to private contractors. However, as soon as these contracts lapsed, incidents of theft and vandalism began to spike. This points to a critical gap in the system for protecting public property once formal maintenance agreements end.
When questioned about deploying security, MC officials expressed a sense of helplessness, citing restrictive rules. They claimed that existing regulations only permit hiring guards for MC stores or zonal offices, not for green belts or parks themselves. This bureaucratic hurdle leaves vast public spaces vulnerable and underscores a significant flaw in urban safety planning. The activist, Arvind Sharma, pointed out the irony that Leisure Valley is located very close to the MC's Zone D office, yet remains unsafe, raising serious questions about the efficacy of local administration and resident security.
A City-Wide Problem
This is not an isolated issue confined to Leisure Valley. The complaint and subsequent discussions indicate that a similar lack of security and resultant thefts are prevalent in numerous other public parks across Ludhiana. The PSHRC's intervention, therefore, has implications for urban governance and public space management throughout the city.
Next Steps and Deadline
The commission has set a clear deadline for action. It has demanded a comprehensive report from both the Ludhiana Municipal Commissioner and the Police Commissioner. This report must be submitted one week before the next scheduled hearing on January 28, 2026. The directive places the onus on the authorities to not only detail the current situation but also propose concrete, actionable solutions to curb the thefts and ensure the safety of public amenities. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar complaints regarding public space security are handled in Punjab.
