Congress delegation meets MC Commissioner, raises concern over stalled development projects in Phagwara

A delegation comprising Congress councillors and party officials, led by MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, met Municipal Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta today to raise concerns over stalled development projects and worsening civic issues in the city. The delegation submitted a memorandum, urging immediate action to address long-pending infrastructure and sanitation problems in the city.

MLA Dhaliwal pointed out that despite passing of several months since the municipal elections, development works in Phagwara were stalled. He cited the prolonged digging and neglect of the road near Bhua Dhamdri cremation ground on Hoshiarpur Road, which was causing significant inconvenience to residents. He also highlighted the poor condition of roads near the Urban Estate entrance, where potholes had become a serious hazard and even basic patchwork repairs were being ignored.

Additionally, concerns were raised about functional streetlights with yellow bulbs being unnecessarily removed, the growing menace of stray animals leading to accidents and an alarming increase in stray dogs that had left residents fearful of stepping out of their homes. With the monsoon season approaching in two months, Dhaliwal warned that not cleaning of sewer could lead to major public health risks. He also noted the unmanaged garbage dumps in densely populated areas, due to which residents and commuters were forced to inhale toxic air emanating from waste that remained uncollected over several days. A broken slab near the starch mill on Sarai Road was also flagged as a potential accident site.

During the meeting, councillor and former block president Sanjeev Bugga sharply criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that its leaders had turned their backs on public concerns and were instead preoccupied with early campaigning for the next Assembly elections. “It is unfortunate for Phagwara residents that not only is the AAP government in Punjab inefficient, but now the city’s Municipal Corporation too is under the grip of their autocratic approach,” Bugga said. “Development work has come to a complete standstill,” he said.

He further warned that if the AAP-led administration does not change its approach and continues to neglect the city’s development, the Congress would be compelled to launch a large-scale protest. All Congress councillors and party officials were present during the meeting.

Jalandhar