Such gates have also been installed near Football Chowk, backside of Ghai Hospital and other areas. Residents have taken up the matter with the authorities a number of times, but to no avail.
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, July 2
Residents have been annoyed over illegal gates installed at the entrance of numerous colonies. Residents said since many such roads are thoroughfares and act as shortcuts to adjoining areas, closed gates were causing an undue hindrance in commuting.
Such gates have also been installed near Football Chowk, backside of Ghai Hospital and other areas. Residents have taken up the matter with the authorities a number of times, but to no avail.
In colonies, including New Jawahar Nagar, Cheema Nagar and Urban Estate-Phase 2, vehicles pass through gates during the day, but closed in the evening. However, there have been some localities in Model Town where gate remains permanently shut. Residents alleged that some influential families living close to Geeta Mandir have got their road permanently closed from one side and no councillor or the MC official dared to get the gate removed.
This road from the Model Town side connected Johal Market Road to Model Town and was frequently used by residents to take a shorter detour and avoid traffic lights to reach their destination quickly.
The installation of any such structure (gate) on roads for private use or causing any obstruction in public passage can be termed a blatant violation of the MC bylaws.
Mandhir Singh, a resident, said, “Such gates have also been installed near Football Chowk, backside of Ghai Hospital and other areas. Residents have taken up the matter with the authorities a number of times, but to no avail.”
Mayor Jagdish Raja said, “Installation of gates to close any road is illegal. Some colonies have installed them after getting consensus from residents. Still, if some people approach us with complaints on inconvenience caused to them, we will have to get the gates removed.”