Amritsar MC should not seek help from pvt clubs: City NGO

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 6

The non-governmental organisation (NGO), Amritsar Vikas Manch, on Sunday urged the Amritsar Municipal Corporation to not seek financial assistance from three clubs situated inside the Ram Bagh for its maintenance.

Manmohan Singh Brar, chief, Amritsar Vikas Manch, said, “One of the three deorees (entrance gate) was used by the Service Club for many years. The club management destroyed inner structures and raised shelves and walls as per their need and conveyance. They handed over the structure to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) some years ago. A watch tower is still in their possession. The lease period expired many years ago and management of three clubs is not paying any rent to the MC.”

Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi, patron, Amritsar Vikas Manch, said, “We filed a writ petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court to shift the clubs from Ram Bagh. The matter is still sub-judice. Thus, it is contempt of court to seek assistance of those people who are facing the court case.”

‘Violation of pact’

As per the agreement between the MC and the ASI, the second party (Commissioner of the MC) agreed that garden and open areas within the notified boundaries of the monument shall be maintained by the civic body.

However, three clubs, including Amritsar Club, Lumpsden Club and Service Club, operational within the monument indulged in unauthorised construction, said members of the Amritsar Vikas Manch.

‘Beautify ram bagh under Smart City project’

The Amritsar Vikas Manch urged the authorities to cancel the tender for establishing sports and women parks. Ram Bagh should be beautified under the Smart City project as green parks under elevated road and other green belts were being maintained, said members of the Manch