ACs, gensets installed behind shops give residents tough time

Large exhaust fans, air-conditioners and generator sets installed at the backside of shops in the main market of Phase 1, Urban Estate, Dugri, are creating nuisance to residents of the locality.

It has been learnt that most of the generator sets installed behind these shops are on encroached space.
Local residents claim that about eight families have shifted elsewhere- either locking their houses or renting these out- due to this.

Basant Restaurant, Dominos, Pizza Hut and several other shops have installed large exhaust fans and ACs that release heat towards the houses which raises the temperature in the locality.

Besides, the generator sets cause huge noise and air pollution in front of the houses. Not only this, some store owners have raised concrete structures to keep generators right behind their shops but the authorities concerned have failed to remove these encroachments despite the residents having taken up the issue several times.

Besides, the stink caused by the waste thrown by various eateries is also causing health problems to residents.
Gurbaksh Singh, a senior citizen, said he was forced to live on rent in some other place due to the problem.

“This is a violation of human rights. We were forced to live under unhygienic conditions and my whole family fell sick. Then we decided to shift to another place,” he said.

The market falls under the jurisdiction of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA). GLADA officials said these structures raised on the road will be cleared by the municipal corporation.

Sukhbir Singh, president, Residents Welfare Association (125-yard plots), Phase 1, said, “These stores have also violated building bylaws but no action has been taken. Goods are loaded and unloaded at the backside of these stores due to which residents face problems. The health department should also conduct a survey to check insanitary conditions here.”

“ACs, exhaust fans and generators should be removed from the backside of these buildings as these face homes,” he added.
GS Rattan, another resident, said, “We met the GLADA estate officer who assured us to look into the matter. Big generator sets cause a lot of noise and air pollution.”

When contacted, GLADA estate officer Rakesh Kumar Popli said, “I have written a letter to the municipal corporation to remove these encroachments so that the residents do not suffer. We will also serve notices on shop owners and also check other violations at the main market.”

MC assistant commissioner Satwant Singh said, “I will look into the matter and take required steps as soon as possible.”

GLADA assistant Engineer Narang Singh said these buildings were shop-cum-flats while no commercial activity could take place at their backside. “We will take required action if residents are facing any inconvenience. We had also issued notices to some violators in the past.”