2 weeks Ago
Ludhiana: Shopkeepers in the local historical Namak Mandi are voicing growing frustration over crumbling infrastructure and stalled civic repairs, blaming municipal officials for neglecting one of the city's oldest commercial hubs. A broken bridge over a storm drain in the heart of the market and the demolition of a public toilet block have left traders and shoppers struggling. The municipal corporation had promised reconstruction of the toilet, but more than a month later, no work has begun — and the bridge remains unrepaired.
Local shopkeepers, including Yashpal Gupta, Sudarshan Goyal, Raman Sethi, and others, said they had approached the civic body soon after the bridge collapsed. Rather than fix the bridge immediately, officials razed the old toilet facility, citing plans to build a new one. "It's been weeks and nothing has moved.
The public and shopkeepers are suffering every day," said one trader. Sources within the market allege that internal factionalism among traders has further delayed work, particularly on the toilet facility. Municipal officials reportedly planned to undertake both projects together, but the lack of consensus has hampered progress.
Senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar acknowledged the concerns. "I am aware of the problems of the shopkeepers," he told the TOI. "I've recommended that the bridge repair and toilet reconstruction begin within a week.
This work will be prioritised." Until then, Namak Mandi — steeped in history but short on civic attention — continues to limp along without basic amenities. MSID:: 120434009 413 |.
