Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 26

Even as the residents have been increasingly adding greenery around their homes since Covid started, the civic bodies too seem to have realised the need and have come up with a plan to convert vacant spaces under flyovers into green belts.

A project is coming up at a cost of Rs 50 lakh under the Smart City Mission wherein three green belts are being developed under Lamma Pind Chowk flyover, Pathankot Chowk flyover and Transport Nagar flyover. While such green belts also exist under the BMC Chowk flyover and Lyallpur Khalsa College flyover for the past over three years, it is after a long time that more green belts are being created. The sites till the past few weeks were being used by vendors, taxi stand owners and for dumping concrete, which had been imparting a bad look to the city at these points.

A new feature in the green belts coming up now is the setting up of vertical gardens along the pillars of the flyovers which are imparting a completely new and greener look to the city. While pillars at all sites, including PAP Chowk, BSF Chowk and BMC Chowk, have been decked up with inspirational wall paintings or floral art, the residents have appreciated the new concept of using them for vertical gardens.

The areas under the flyovers have been given water connection and proper drainage system too has been installed through the NHAI in the event of collection of excess water. While the Lamma Pind Chowk and Transport Nagar green belts are in advanced stages of work with a variety of palms, bushes and foliage herbs being planted, the work on Pathankot Chowk is yet to pick up. Along the sides along the green belts, well-paved footpaths too have been constructed for pedestrians wanting to cross the road.

Area councillor Nirmal Singh said: “The shopkeepers around the areas are happier with a more pleasant look coming up. They have also appreciated the move of the MC to get the areas vacated from the squatters. The only point which worries us all is that till the time the work is with the Smart City Mission, we expect some good work but the MC which is devoid of a functional horticulture department or is facing shortage of gardeners might not be able to maintain it well later.”