Ludhiana Councillor Claims Irregularities in Vending Zone Relocation

Key Takeaways

Congress councillor Bhupinder Kaur accused the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation of misusing funds by relocating a ₹1.2-crore Smart City project.
The project, originally approved for Zone D, was moved to Zone A without necessary permissions, raising concerns about legality.
Municipal officials defended the relocation, stating it was intended to enhance vendor space and alleviate congestion in the area.

Allegations of Fund Misuse in Smart City Project

Congress councillor Bhupinder Kaur from Ward 94 has formally accused the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) of misusing public funds in the relocation of a ₹1.2-crore Smart City project. Originally sanctioned for Zone D, the project was moved to Zone A without the required approvals, according to Kaur’s complaint submitted to the ministry of housing and urban affairs.

Kaur contends that work orders for the proposed vending zone were issued on September 21, 2022, but the site was subsequently changed illegally. She argues that the new location is unnecessary since a vegetable market already operates nearby. Furthermore, Kaur alleges that the relocation aims to benefit an acquaintance who plans to establish an illegal slaughterhouse on the new site, which is situated on a designated green belt.

“This is a clear misuse of Smart City funds. Public money is being spent on an unnecessary project at an unsuitable location, all for personal gain,” Kaur remarked, urging the ministry to halt construction and initiate an impartial investigation.

In response to these allegations, MC officials have firmly denied any wrongdoing. Shamlal Gupta, the superintending engineer of the MC, stated that the relocation was undertaken to facilitate increased vendor space and reduce congestion in the area. Gupta asserted, “The change was made in the interest of public convenience, and there is nothing unlawful about it.”

The situation has drawn attention to the governance and oversight of municipal projects funded by public money, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal protocols in urban development initiatives. The outcome of Kaur’s complaint and the continued development of the vending zone project will be closely monitored by both the local community and government officials.

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