Residents of Mauli Baidwan Suffer as Village Periphery Is Passed Off as a 40-Foot Road: Kuljit Singh Bedi
Road remains unconstructed for two years, deep potholes, clouds of dust and an uncovered foul-smelling drain make life miserable; residents block road to protest against civic apathy
Mohali: Residents living along the village periphery (Phirni) of Mauli Baidwan in Mohali are facing severe hardships due to the lack of basic civic amenities. Despite the provision of a 40-foot-wide road in the plots allotted by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), residents allege that they have not been provided with the promised road infrastructure. Shockingly, the village’s existing narrow periphery road has effectively been treated as the proposed 40-foot road, even though its width at several points is not even 20 feet.
Fed up with the continued neglect, residents today blocked the road along the village periphery and staged a protest, demanding immediate action from the authorities. Former Mohali Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi reached the spot, listened to their grievances and assured them of his full support.
Road Construction Pending for Two Years, Potholes and Dust Make Life Difficult
One of the biggest complaints of the residents is that the road has not been properly constructed for the past two years. The stretch is riddled with deep potholes and is in an extremely poor condition. With no proper road surface, the movement of vehicles throughout the day generates huge clouds of dust, making everyday life miserable for people living in the area.
According to residents, the road witnesses heavy traffic, including the movement of large vehicles throughout the day, almost like a highway. The dust generated by these vehicles has become a serious health concern, particularly for children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory problems.
Residents expressed concern that continuous exposure to dust and pollution is increasing the risk of asthma and other respiratory ailments in the locality.
One resident emotionally shared that his wife had also died due to asthma. He alleged that the persistent dust pollution in the area had made life extremely difficult and raised serious concerns about the health of people living here. The situation calls for urgent attention from the concerned authorities, as the issue is no longer limited to poor infrastructure but has become a matter of public health.
No Proper Drainage Pipeline, Sewerage System Also Under Question
The problems are not limited to the road. Residents alleged that no proper drainage pipeline has been laid in the area, leaving the locality without an adequate water-disposal system. Questions have also been raised regarding the sewerage arrangements for the houses.
Residents pointed out that hotels and other commercial establishments, along with multi-storey buildings, have come up on the village side, while the houses allotted by GMADA continue to suffer from the absence of basic civic facilities.
They questioned why essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage and sewerage was not properly developed when the plots were originally allotted.
Uncovered Drain Spreading Foul Smell, Garbage Adds to Unhygienic Conditions
Another major concern raised by residents is an open drain located nearby, which continuously emits a foul smell. The drain has not been covered, while garbage remains scattered around the area, creating unhygienic conditions and increasing the risk of disease.
Residents said that the open drain, accumulated garbage, foul smell and dust pollution have collectively made their living conditions extremely miserable.
They demanded that the drain be covered immediately, regular cleaning arrangements be ensured and a protective boundary wall be constructed along the adjoining village land to prevent garbage from spreading and further deterioration of the surroundings.
Kuljit Singh Bedi Warns of Major Protest and Legal Action if Authorities Fail to Act
Speaking to the media, former Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi said that after listening to the residents, it was evident how difficult their lives had become due to the continued neglect of basic civic issues.
He expressed serious concern over the alleged failure of GMADA to provide the promised 40-foot-wide road. Instead of ensuring the required road infrastructure, the village periphery has effectively been treated as the road meant for these residential plots, despite its inadequate width.
Bedi said the most serious issue was the absence of a proper drainage pipeline. He also alleged that the sewerage of these houses had been connected to the village-side sewerage system, which requires proper investigation.
He questioned the authorities’ accountability and said that when people were allotted plots after paying money, it was the responsibility of the concerned departments to ensure that all essential civic facilities were provided.
Bedi said he would meet senior officials of GMADA and the Municipal Corporation and take up all these issues with them. He urged both departments to coordinate and resolve the problems without further delay.
He warned that if the authorities failed to take corrective action, a large-scale protest would be organised in support of the residents. He also said that he would not hesitate to approach the court and initiate legal proceedings against the responsible officials if the situation remained unresolved.
He further remarked that it appeared the residents were being ignored because their numbers were relatively small. However, a smaller population does not mean that people can be deprived of basic amenities, a clean environment and the right to live with dignity.
Public Health Must Not Be Compromised; Bedi Demands Immediate Intervention
Kuljit Singh Bedi said that immediate steps were required to construct the promised road, repair the potholes, control dust pollution, lay the missing drainage pipeline, improve the sewerage system, cover the open drain and ensure proper garbage disposal.
He emphasised that these were not merely demands related to development works but serious issues directly connected with the health, safety and quality of life of the residents.
Warning the authorities against further delay, Bedi said that if GMADA and the Municipal Corporation failed to work together and resolve the problems, public resentment would grow further and residents would be compelled to intensify their protest.
He reiterated that he stood firmly with the residents and would make every possible effort to ensure that their genuine grievances were addressed and justice was delivered.
