PITEX over but litter remains; MC looks the other way

The Ranjeet Avenue Grounds located at Airport Road presents a shabby picture as litter is scattered all around the place after the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) culminated on December 9 here.

Even as utmost attention was paid to ensure cleanliness, little care has been taken to clear the surroundings after the event. Heaps of litter, especially plastic, paper and food waste, are seen lying all around.

The place has become a favourite spot for rag pickers who can be spotted every morning collecting tattered clothes.

Thof the prominent hotels like Holiday Inn, Best Western Merrion and MK Hotel among others are located. These hotels receive tourists from all over the world.

Many joggers who passed by here during the morning and evening hours have changed their route.

"I regularly walked along the footpath around the ground. But due to filth, I do not use this area anymore. We are not sure when the municipal corporation will get this ground cleaned," said Jaswant Singh, a Ranjeet Avenue resident.

"On the one hand, the Punjab government is aiming to turn Amritsar into a world class destination, while on the other these so-called posh localities are struggling with basic issue of cleanliness," he lamented.
Even some youngsters who used to play cricket at the grounds are not using them anymore, courtesy their filth look.

"The authorities concerned must have got it cleaned right after PITEX got over. Sadly enough, they did not," said Sarabjit Singh, a student. "The issue simply highlights the lackadaisical attitude of the MC and Amritsar Improvement Trust."

Amritsar Improvement Trust chairman Sandeep Rishi maintained, "The municipal corporation had taken the responsibility to the get the grounds cleaned after the event."

"I have not received any complaint about this. The ground will be cleaned by tomorrow," municipal commissioner DPS Kharbanda said.