Politics of foundation stones: 5th stone laid on nullah bridge

Ludhiana: The bridge constructed at Buddha Nullah near main Haibowal Chowk is dotted with foundation stones installed at different times, during the tenures of different governments.
The fifth foundation stone was laid on the bridge on Saturday, close to four others. One was dismantled a few months back. On Saturday, local bodies minister Inderbir Singh Nijjar laid the foundation stone for construction of a road along the drain to the railway line.
If the foundation stones were meant to impress residents, they have not achieved their objective. Residents rue that political parties have used Buddha Dariya as an election issue.
One foundation stone for the bioremediation project is in the name of former union minister Jairam Ramesh and former MP Manish Tewari.
Another is by former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh for the Rs 650 crore Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation Project, one was installed recently by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gurpreet Gogi under the Amrut scheme (which is part of the Buddha Dariya project).
One of the oldest, which was in the name of former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was dismantled.
Haibowal resident Mahesh Jain said, “Political parties compete with each other to lay foundtaion stones on this bridge. Almost every government in the past claimed to have developed this area and rejuvenated the Buddha Dariya. Having so many foundation stones around does not look good. Such a race for credit, with formal inaugurations and ceremonies should be avoided and focus should be development works with quality material.”
Joshi Nagar resident Sonu Arora pointed out that there was nothing to show for the abundance of foundation stones on the stretch.
“Gradually, the entire stretch has been covered with so many stones for various works but the condition of the drain has not improved markedly,” he said, asking political parties to avoid “foundation stones politics.”
Meanwhile, local bodies minister Inderbir Singh Nijjar said, “We are not concerned about the foundation stones and these can be removed. Our concentration is towards development works. If the foundation stone for the road work is laid, the road will be constructed in two months.”