Tricity talking | Open-air gyms and killer roads
Open-air gyms have become the talk of the town. What started at Shanti Kunj in Sector 16 sometime back is now being replicated in other sectors. At the Garden of Annuals in Sector 44, it’s so refreshing to see women and men of all ages trying their hand at the recently installed equipment: pec deck machine, leg press, abdominal bench and twister.
FIT AND FRESH
Open-air gyms have become the talk of the town. What started at Shanti Kunj in Sector 16 sometime back is now being replicated in other sectors. At the Garden of Annuals in Sector 44, it’s so refreshing to see women and men of all ages trying their hand at the recently installed equipment: pec deck machine, leg press, abdominal bench and twister. The other day, Ward 18 councillor, Devinder Singh Babla, posted pictures of similar installations at a Sector 28 park. These additions to the city’s green belts must be commended.
KILLER ROAD
The Punjab government has been tom-tomming setting up of an international airport in SAS Nagar. But no authority seems least bothered about the road that leads to it. The road, no doubt, is among the widest ones in the region, but its condition has been deteriorating by the day. In the little time that has passed since its opening, many potholes have appeared on the road, making the ride not only rough and bumpy, but also fraught with dangers. In fact, it is already being called a ‘killer road’ for the number of fatal mishaps that it has witnessed.
WATER WOES
This past week the City Beautiful residents had to face acute water shortage. Though the municipal corporation had issued a warning in advance, the cut-off was not limited to just the evening supply, as earlier assured by the civic body.
Also the problem wasn’t confined to just three days, as claimed. The hapless residents were heard murmuring — and rightly so — that here’s a city that supplies potable water to the Sukhna Lake so that morning walkers can continue enjoying a good view, while depriving others of their basic need. Is it a coincidence that the water woes have worsened since the authorities started supplying water to the lake? The authorities, of course, claim the two are not linked. The woes, meanwhile, haven’t ended. For Saturday, again, the MC has announced low water pressure, which often translates into no water supply, especially on upper floors.
ROSY PICTURE
Thanks to the introduction of a chopper ride, the upcoming Rose Festival has created quite a buzz. How successful this new feature turns out to be will decide if it becomes a regular affair. But it’s amazing how year after year the event creates a festive atmosphere for the three days that it’s on, with an estimated 20,000 people visiting Asia’s largest rose garden.
(arvind.chhabra@hindustantimes.com)
