15 years on, LIT yet to construct toilets in Maharishi Valmiki Nagar markets

Even after 15 years, the shopkeepers’ continue to wait for the construction of toilets. The toilets are supposed to be constructed in the markets developed by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) in Maharishi Valmiki Nagar.

The LIT had constructed commercial booths at different places in Maharishi Valmiki Nagar and as some of them were not sold, people generally urinate there in absence of toilets, spreading unhygienic conditions in the area.

The shopkeepers are demanding the construction of toilets at the earliest. Around seven years ago, the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) had tried to construct toilets at the reserved places but some residents had raised objections, following which the construction work was not started.

A shopkeeper said, “When I was allotted a booth, then we were given assurance that LIT will construct toilets here but no step has been taken. We had paid money for this purpose but nothing has been done in this direction. Now the area is full of unhygienic conditions.”
The shopkeepers opposite telephone exchange claimed that the space is lying vacant as no toilets were constructed. Even there is no availability of toilets at the nearby market where the office of current councillor was set up.

Councillor Balkar Singh, said, “I will talk to LIT authorities regarding the construction of toilet at the reserved place in the market opposite the telephone exchange. We had also requested the LIT authorities to construct toilets at a park near another market so that the public can get basic facility.”

Satish Thaman, the member of Ludhiana West Sub Division Grievances Redressal Committee, said that he has written to sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) regarding it. “I will raise this matter with LIT officials. Some of vacant booths are awaiting buyers and even then nobody is paying attention to improve the sanitation situation here,” he said.

Sub-divisional officer Jaswinder Singh said, “Some people had opposed the construction of toilets at the market. However, if the shopkeepers forward their demand regarding the construction of toilets, then we will take required steps.”