Chandigarh, August 16 : Residents Welfare Association, Khudda Lahora Colony along with residents of area, organized a cleanliness drive at Khuda Lahora Colony.
Large number of people including women and children gathered early in the morning at 6 amnear the edge of Patiala Ki Rao (Near Lake of Chandigarh Botanical Garden) saluted National Flag and started cleaning and cutting of weeds and long grass standing by the edge of Patiala Ki Rao. Drive continued till 11:00 am.
People who were unable to support physically in the drive helped the residents by offerings refreshments to the volunteers.President of the Association Preet Singh Tanwar said that there were many wild plants taller than the height of a person were standing in its path. Residents daily use it for morning and evening walks and hence were exposed to dangers of serpents that are often spotted in the area. Last year a child had suffered snake bite.
Some ruffians also kept roaming in this area. People were facing so many problems and now they were afraid of going to garden.
Tarsem Katoch, General Secretary of Association said tha area residents have approached both Municipal Corporation and Forest Department seeking their help in clearing the area. “However, both the authorities refused to offer a solution that the area did not lie in their jurisdiction. It was then we thought to take over matter in our hands,” said Katoch.
Area residents worked together to clear the area. Umer Singh, Angrej Singh, Rajeev, Narender Kumar, Rajinder Singh Nagarkoti, Jaswant Singh, Govind Ram, Ramesh Yadav, Devi Ram and Laxman Singh Rawat accompanied Katoch.