Irked over poor roads, Jalandhar residents block highway

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 14

Residents of Sainik Vihar on Monday held a protest against the Congress councillor due to lack of development works in their area.

Rsidents came out on Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur highway in Rama Mandi and blocked it for some time after which cops persuaded them to move away from the spot. Led by Khushwansh Deep Dhami, locals then gheraoed office of councillor Mandeep Jassal.

Irate residents alleged that main road of Sainik Vihar, which connected other colonies, including Ganesh Nagar, Taran Enclave, Dakoha and Arman Nagar, was not being repaired. “Internal stretches in the colony, where some people closely associated with the councillor reside, are being repaired while tenders for the main road have not been floated by the authorities concerned,” said residents.

Locals added that as MC tippers and other vehicles use the main road, it got damaged. “Water supply pipes under the road have got damaged thrice due to heavy vehicles plying on the main road, but no steps have been taken to repair it by the councillor and MLA Rajinder Beri. The councillor and the MLA have been only giving us false assurances for the last four years. So, we decided to protest today,” said Veena Rani, a resident.

Jassal said a proposal worth Rs 50 lakh has been passed by the MC for relaying two-three roads in Sainik Vihar. “The tenders will be floated soon. I expect the work to get completed within two months,” said the councillor.

Persuaded by cops

• Residents came out on the highway in Rama Mandi and blocked it for some time after which cops persuaded them to move away from the spot.
• Irate residents alleged that main road of Sainik Vihar, which connected other colonies, including Ganesh Nagar, Taran Enclave, Dakoha and Arman Nagar, was not being repaired.
• Jassal said a proposal worth Rs50 lakh had been passed by the MC for relaying two-three roads in Sainik Vihar. “The tenders will be floated soon. I expect the work to get completed within two months,” he said.