Citing the negligence of the authorities in charge of the Phagwara Industrial Area in Punjab, industrialists here say the area, which was once a prestigious focal point of the city and an NRI hub, has turned into a virtual slum for lack of basic infrastructure like street lights, good roads, and even safe drinking water. | |
| The problem is due to the slums adjoining the industrial area, which have clogged the water-drainage system. |
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| Besides, the garbage thrown in the open has not been cleared for months, says an industrialist of the sub-division of Kapurthala District. |
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| Alleging step-motherly treatment being given to the area and industrialists, the Phagwara Industrialist Association (FIA) has asked for the removal of the slums. |
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| "The industrial area, which once was declared a focal point, has still remained a small-scale industrial town. We are suffering huge losses due to the indifferent attitude of the Punjab government," said an industrialist of Phagwara. |
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| This industrial hub has six export houses, 35 medium and small units and an export turnover of Rs 600 crore annually. |
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| Diesel engine pump sets and tractor spare parts, besides other goods, are produced here. |
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| "It's impossible to negotiate your way across the roads. For years now, we have heard assurances that roads will be repaired and garbage removed, but I am yet to see any concrete action," said Inder Singh, a small-scale unit holder. |
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| Industrialists have approached Councillor Sushil Maini. Despite this, council authorities have done nothing in this regard. |
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| "Imagine polluted sewerage water entering industrial units and we have no choice but to live here," said A K Kohli, an export house owner. |
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