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Smart City a distant dream for sewage-covered Durga Colony, Ludhiana
The residents of Durga Colony are increasingly frustrated as they struggle with the lack of basic amenities, including proper roads, a functional sewerage system, and access to clean water
At a time when municipal corporation (MC) is forging ahead with its Smart City projects in selected areas amid fanfare, areas like Durga Colony in Dhandari Khurd are left grappling with pressing issues and neglect.
The residents of Durga Colony are increasingly frustrated as they struggle with the lack of basic amenities, including proper roads, a functional sewerage system, and access to clean water.
The state of Durga Colony’s infrastructure is far from ideal, with clogged sewage lines, damaged roads, and manholes that are alarmingly below the ground level. The situation has only worsened over time, despite residents lodging repeated complaints with the authorities.
While the civic body has been touting its ambitious Smart City initiatives, those living in the low-line areas like Durga Colony have been left to their fate. The stark disparity in development has left the residents questioning the priorities of the authorities.
Area residents highlighted that internal roads in these areas were last repaired over two decades ago, Today, they are covered in slush and sewage.
Speaking about the situation, long-time resident Sanjeev Kumar expressed his frustration, “Our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Terrible roads and clogged sewers make monsoons unbearable. Contaminated drinking water due to sewage overflow worsens our plight.”
Meena Devi highlighted the dangers faced by commuters, saying, “The road from Shivalik Chowk to Durga Colony is a hazard as a two-ft large manhole has become a cause of frequent accidents. Power cuts have become a recurring nightmare for months, with authorities citing maintenance work as a vague excuse.”
Rahul Goyal, another resident, implored the civic authorities to experience their living conditions firsthand, saying, “Our main road has been damaged for years, and internal roads are in shambles for decades. Come live with us for 24 hours to truly grasp the suffering of Durga Colony’s residents.”
Access to clean water, a bare minimum in the residents’ eyes, is also not being met. They stated that their complaints have fallen on deaf ears.
Addressing the issue, additional municipal commissionerAaditya Dachalwal said, “I will send the concerned officers to the particular area so that problems can be addressed. After that estimate of the project will be made for the things that need to be re-carpeted or corrected.”
