Punjab Human Rights Commission Takes Action Against Ludhiana Municipal Corporation Over Park Neglect
The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has escalated its response to the deteriorating state of a public park in Ludhiana by issuing a formal show-cause notice to the Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner. This decisive action follows a complaint filed by the Model Town Market Welfare Society, which has been campaigning for improvements to the Gol Market Park in Model Town for an extended period.
Commission's Stern Directive and Timeline
In its latest directive, the PSHRC expressed serious concern over what it described as the "pitiable condition" of the public park. The commission noted that the MC had failed to submit a report that was previously mandated by a March 19 order, leaving the regulatory body with no alternative but to issue the notice. The PSHRC specifically demanded that the commissioner show cause as to why penal action should not be recommended for what appears to be intentional and willful non-compliance with the commission's directives.
The commission has set a strict deadline of June 12 for the submission of a response. Should the MC fail to provide adequate justification by this date, the matter will proceed to further deliberation, potentially leading to formal recommendations for penalties against the municipal authorities.
Detailed Allegations of Neglect and Disrespect
According to detailed complaints from shopkeepers and members of the Model Town Market Welfare Society, the park—once a vibrant community hub frequented by children, women, and elderly residents—has suffered from severe neglect. The society members report that no gardener from the MC horticulture department has visited the site in a considerable time, resulting in the posh locality's green space falling into a state of disrepair.
The specific issues highlighted include:
- Accumulation of filth and garbage throughout the park area
- Broken and hazardous footpaths that pose safety risks to visitors
- Presence of roaming stray dogs creating nuisance and potential danger
- A public toilet within the premises that emits a pervasive foul odor
- Significant rat infestation leading to extensive burrowing across the grounds
Perhaps most concerning is the allegation regarding disrespect to the national symbol. The society has pointed out that the national flag installed in the park is positioned directly in front of the problematic washroom facility. As night falls, the area reportedly becomes a gathering spot for drug addicts and alcoholics, creating what complainants describe as a disrespectful environment around the national emblem.
Failed Negotiations and Unfulfilled Promises
The situation has reached an impasse regarding responsibility for the park's maintenance. While the horticulture department attempted to transfer maintenance responsibilities to the market association, shopkeepers refused the offer, arguing that they cannot reasonably maintain a facility that remains fundamentally undeveloped and in such a pathetic condition.
Despite a meeting with Mayor Inderjit Kaur on March 9 during which assurances were given about resolving the park's issues, the association reports that nearly a month has passed without any tangible progress or visible improvements on the ground. This lack of follow-through has contributed to the escalation of the matter to the human rights commission.
The PSHRC's intervention represents a significant development in what has become a protracted community struggle for basic civic amenities and respect for public spaces in one of Ludhiana's prominent localities.
