Farmers Movement Archive

Road leading to Amritsar’s vegetable market flooded with rainwater

Amritsar, August 10 The kutcha road spread over 90-acre of wholesale vegetable and fruit market at the Vallah area is dotted with puddles of water and is in a dilapidated state. Unhygienic condition prevails in the mandi as its vast swathes remain submerged under rainwater. The Market Committee managing the mandi does not seem to have equipment to meet the challenges posed by rain. This has made the place a breeding spot of mosquitoes and stray animals. Besides, dogs and other animals also roam around freely here. Gurwinder Singh, a vegetable grower from Jandiala village, said it was an uphill task to navigate these roads. Many a times, his cart gets stuck in the muck and he has to take the help of bystanders to take it out. He stressed that since heavy vehicles laden with fruits and fresh farm produce usually ply these roads, the need for a well-metalled road could not be stressed more. Kanwaljit Singh Pahwa, a wholesale trader, said even a light drizzle was enough to worsen the situation. He said the government earned over Rs 10 crore annually as revenue from the Mandi but in return, they were denied even basic amenities, such as sewerage disposal, roads, street lights, and others. Amardeep Singh Kaura, Secretary of the Market Committee, said the mandi required a new sewage system. “Unless the Army gives approval for the same, we are helpless”. The mandi falls within the prohibition zone of the Army dump so no construction can be carried out here.

The Tribune

2020-08-11