PSHRC hits MC chief with show-cause notice over Model Town park neglect

Ludhiana: The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has issued a show-cause notice to the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) commissioner following a complaint by the Model Town Market Welfare Society. The commission took serious note of the "pitiable condition" of the public park in Gol Market, Model Town, after the MC failed to submit a report previously mandated by a March 19 order.In its latest directive, the PSHRC stated it was left with no choice but to issue a notice to the commissioner to show-cause as to why penal action should not be recommended for intentionally and wilfully non-complying with the commission's orders. A response must be submitted on or before the next hearing scheduled for June 12; otherwise, the matter will be further deliberated.According to the shopkeepers and society members, the park—once a hub for children, women, and the elderly—has been neglected for an extended period. No gardener from the MC horticulture department has visited the site, leaving the posh locality's green space in a dilapidated state. The area is plagued by filth, broken footpaths, and roaming stray dogs. Furthermore, a public toilet located within the premises emits a pervasive foul smell, and an infestation of rats has led to significant burrowing throughout the grounds.The association highlighted a specific concern regarding the national flag installed in the park. The washroom is situated directly in front of the flag, and as night falls, the area becomes a haven for drug addicts and alcoholics, leading to allegations of disrespect toward the national symbol. While the horticulture department attempted to hand over the park to the market association, shopkeepers refused, claiming they cannot maintain a facility that remains undeveloped and in such a pathetic condition. Despite meeting with mayor Inderjit Kaur on March 9 and receiving assurances of a resolution, the association noted that nearly a month has passed without any tangible progress or improvement on the ground.