Shivpuri traders up in arms against MC for not issuing alert

Ludhiana: Businessmen of Shivpuri area are up in arms against the municipal corporation after the Buddha Nullah overflowed which caused flood-like situation in the area since Tuesday.

The area is the hub of micro and small garment manufacturing units and there are no reports of any major damage of any stock or buildings of businessmen in the area so far.

According to the businessmen, they had a narrow escape. They said when they saw water filling the streets they shifted their goods and other valuables to safer places.

However, businessmen are furious over the officials of the civic body as they did not issue alert in advance. They said steps should have been taken in advance to avert the situation.

On Wednesday, water in some streets has been flushed out by the MC by using pumps, but the lanes adjoining the banks of the Buddha Nullah near the main Shivpuri Pully, the problem still persists.

Sanjeev Kapoor, a garment manufacturer having two units in the area, said: “Water in the Buddha Nullah has been flowing at dangerous levels since Tuesday morning and the municipal corporation was well aware of the situation, but nothing was done by the department to plug the overflow from sensitive areas like Shivpuri Pully. Shopkeepers near the Buddha Nullah raised an alarm and we moved our garments, packing material and other valuables to the first floor of our factory.”

Sukhwinder Singh, member of the Ludhiana business forum and garment manufacturer, said: “This is a tragic situation and even after paying taxes, city-based businessmen have to go through all this. Every small factory has stocks worth lakhs ready at any moment for dispatch and even a small drop of water can spoil garments. As the Buddha Nullah flows on one side of Shivpuri, we are under constant threat of similar incidents. We can do nothing except requesting the government to look for a permanent solution of this problem.”

Speaking to the TOI, Vishal Sharma, accessory supplier who has his shop in the area, said: “The road near Shiv Jewellers was filled with two-feet deep sewerage water of the nullah. Imagine the plight of the people and commuters who are forced to live and walk in such pathetic condition. Water has been flushed out from several areas, but why do officers act only when tragedy struck. The authorities must however ensure that such situation does not occur.”