SUKHPREET SINGH
Ludhiana
Most of the green belts along the roads in the city are in a pathetic condition for several years as wild grass like whitetop weed and other unwanted shrubs have grown to a larger extent, giving the parks a shabby look. The green belts have almost become dumping sites where passers-by can be seen urinating most often. The green belts await greenery and beautification for years. Besides, the authorities concerned have also failed to remove the encroachments from the green belts on Dugri Road, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar and other areas. Fences around the parks in Model Town and Pakhowal road are damaged. The residents also allege that sand is being sold illegally from this green belt. With no gardeners visiting the greenbelt for maintenance on routine-basis, the growth of wild grass goes unchecked, say residents.

It is pertinent to mention here that due to the non-availability of toilets, the homeless and slum dwellers generally use the green belts for urination as well as defecation. The foul smell emanating from the green belts troubles the commuters. Owners of some eateries situated near the green belts throw garbage in the parks. Also the sanitation workers burn waste in the greenbelt sometimes but the authorities concerned seem least bothered about it.The areas where the condition of green belts is pitiable include Model Town, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ferozepur road, Rishi Nagar, Aggar Nagar Enclave and Shaheed Bhagar Singh Nagar among others. The residents have appealed to the authorities to take necessary steps for the development of green belts. The officials of MC’s horticulture department say that staff shortage is to be blamed for the ill-maintained parks.Harjot Singh, a resident of Model Town, said, “The authorities concerned have the tendency to pass the buck to one another. Green belts should be maintained and more saplings should be planted.

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