In a significant move aimed at enhancing the city's aesthetics and environmental health, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) has given the green signal to develop a sprawling green belt at a key entry point to the city. The project, which will transform the area near the Jassian Road cut from the Jalandhar Bypass, is designed to provide a lush, welcoming gateway for visitors and residents alike.
Project Approval and Cost Details
The proposal received detailed discussion and final consent during a recent meeting of the Finance and Contracts Committee (F&CC). Initially, MC officials estimated the development cost at Rs 97.85 lakh. However, after a thorough vetting process, the tender was successfully allocated at a more economical Rs 68.50 lakh, resulting in substantial savings for the civic body. Senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar confirmed the F&CC's approval, emphasizing the importance of beautifying the city's entrance to create a positive first impression on visitors.
Location and Significance of the Green Belt
The planned green belt will be constructed on the service area of the National Highway, specifically stretching from the Jalandhar Bypass to the Jassian Road Cut. This site holds particular importance as it serves as the primary entrance to Ludhiana for those traveling from the Jalandhar side. The initiative is a core part of the MC's broader efforts to beautify the city. Beyond just improving visuals, the green belt is expected to serve crucial functional purposes: preventing illegal encroachments on berms and providing much-needed relief from air and noise pollution for the area.
Resident Concerns and Official Vision
Local residents have long expressed the need for a major transformation to make the area presentable. Jassian Road resident Hitesh Sharma highlighted the current chaotic state, noting a lack of greenery and the presence of stray cattle grazing at garbage dumps near a private vegetable market. "Vendors throw waste vegetables in the open, which attracts stray cattle. These animals then create problems for moving traffic," Sharma stated, urging authorities to expedite the work to address these persistent issues.
The civic body's decision aligns with this public demand for improvement. By converting a chaotic, polluted stretch into a organized green space, the MC aims to not only elevate the city's image but also enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants and ensure a safer, more pleasant environment for all.
