Ludhiana's unused water pipes worth ₹4 crore deteriorate

In Ludhiana, a large stock of water pipes worth ₹3-4 crore is sitting unused since being bought in 2021 as part of the Smart City Mission. These pipes were intended to improve water supply in areas like Sarabha Nagar, Ghumar Mandi, and Gurdev Nagar. However, they have been left abandoned and have raised concerns about how taxpayer money is being managed. The issue was highlighted recently when some of the pipes caught fire near Pakhowal Road. A municipal corporation official, who wished to stay anonymous, mentioned that political pressure and speculation about misusing funds have prevented the installation of the pipes. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal stated that he will investigate the situation to understand why these pipes have not been put to use. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora has called for a special investigation team to look into the matter thoroughly and ensure accountability. Residents are frustrated. They question why so many pipes were purchased without a clear plan for their use. A local resident named Jaskaran Singh criticized the waste of public money, urging the government to conduct a vigilance inquiry to hold responsible parties accountable. Officials still need to explain the delays in the project and the neglect of the pipes, which has resulted in financial losses.