В Пагваре опасную дорогу прозвали «змейной» из-за зарослей и угрозы для жителей

The VIP road leading towards the SDM office in Phagwara has become a growing cause for concern among residents, visitors and officials, with frequent sightings of snakes turning the otherwise important and prestigious stretch into what locals have begun describing as a ‘snake road.’ The presence of snakes has created an atmosphere of fear among people using the road to reach the SDM office, Tehsil Complex and nearby judicial courts. Concern intensified recently after a dead snake was found on the road, highlighting the potential danger posed to pedestrians, motorists and visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with the conditions of the area. Residents fear that the presence of snakes could lead to a serious incident if immediate preventive measures are not taken. According to residents, the problem has been aggravated by the rapid growth of Congress grass, weeds and other vegetation on vacant plots and along both sides of the road. The overgrown vegetation has provided snakes with suitable hiding places, while poorly maintained vacant plots have reportedly become breeding and sheltering grounds for reptiles and other potentially harmful creatures. Residents have alleged that despite repeated requests to the civil administration and the Municipal Corporation, the necessary cleaning and vegetation-removal measures have not been undertaken effectively. They have particularly sought the intervention of the corporation’s horticulture and sanitation authorities to clear the excessive vegetation and ensure regular maintenance of the area. Apart from the threat posed by snakes, residents have also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of poorly maintained and overgrown vacant plots by anti-social elements and suspected drug users. They claim that the neglected surroundings provide secluded spaces that can be exploited for undesirable activities, thereby creating an additional security concern along a road used by people visiting important government and judicial offices. Residents have appealed to the authorities to treat the matter as a public-safety issue rather than merely a cleanliness problem. They have called for an immediate inspection of all vacant plots along the road, removal of wild vegetation, proper maintenance of roadside areas and strict enforcement of municipal regulations against owners who fail to keep their properties clean and safe. When contacted, Phagwara Municipal Corporation Commissioner Randeep Singh Heer assured that stern action would be taken against owners of vacant plots who were allegedly violating municipal regulations by neither developing their properties nor maintaining them properly. He said the civic authorities would take necessary steps against such property owners.