Canal Dept's rickety structure cries for attention

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 30

The decrepit old structure of the Canal Department, Drainage, Irrigation and Power Research Institute (IPRI), on GT Road opposite the railway station poses risk to residents and commuters alike.

Thousands of people commute daily on the narrow road, which offers a short way between Rani Ka Bagh and Albert Road. Looking at the tilted wall conveys that it is a disaster in waiting. The department concerned must take pre-emptive action to avoid any disastrous impact.—  Naresh Johar, a resident of Rani Ka Bagh

They fear that parts of the rickety building could fall on the narrow road behind. The narrow road leads to Model Town, Rani Ka Bagh and Mahindra locality from Albert Road.

The canal office building spread on over 11.5 acre of prime commercial land, opposite the railway station, is in a shambles. The canal and allied departments were set up by the British after they annexed Punjab. Some portions were raised in the independent India.

Some of the rooms are without roofs, while some seem to have turned into haunted places, as their doors have not been opened for the past several decades. A room is being used to dump old files and papers, while no effort has been made to secure these. The entire building presents a worn-out look, with plants growing everywhere — on roof, walls and balconies. The building has not even been whitewashed for long time and plaster has mostly come off.

Naresh Johar, a resident of Rani Ka Bagh, says: “Thousands of people commute on the narrow road daily, which offers a short way between Rani Ka Bagh and Albert Road. Looking at the tilted wall conveys that it is a disaster in waiting. The department concerned must take pre-emptive action to avoid any disastrous impact.”

When contacted, Amandeep Kaur, Additional Chief Administrator, said she would look into the matter.

Fact file

The canal office building, spread on over 11.5 acre of prime commercial land, opposite the railway station, is in a pathetic condition. The canal and allied departments were set up by the British after they annexed Punjab. Some portions were raised in the independent India. Some of the rooms are without roofs, while some seem to have turned into haunted places, as their doors have not been opened for the past several decades. A room is being used to dump old files and papers, while no effort has been made to secure these. The entire building presents a worn-out look, with plants growing everywhere - on roof, walls and balconies. The building has not even been whitewashed for long and plaster has mostly come off.