Garbage pit converted into elevator space at Nehru Shopping Complex

The Nehru Shopping Complex on Lawrence Road seems to have been neglected, despite grandiose promises made by the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) to the contrary. Trash mounds, roof fissures, and encroachments are evidence of this. During his several visits to the Nehru Shopping Complex, AIT Chairman Ashok Talwar pledged to resolve any difficulties in the market.

The AIT had included the idea to put elevators in every corner of the building when it sold the shop-cum-offices (SCOs). The AIT failed to provide elevators to the market over the previous 20 years. Trash has piled up in the area designated for the elevator installation. The condition of the stairs is likewise appalling. The market patrons often heed the call of nature on the steps. Because there is little illumination in the Nehru Complex, the shopkeepers have complained that the stairs are being used as urinals.

Even though the urinals outside the Nehru Shopping Complex on Lawrence Road were recently rebuilt by the AIT, there are still restrooms available for employees and guards who come or remain at the market at night. Nearly all of the top level is empty, and some SCOs on the second floor are also empty. This state of the market is the result of the AIT. A dealer named Raman Kumar said that appropriate sanitary procedures needed to be made.

The structure has not been maintained, and cracks have appeared in the stairs and roof. The walls and roofs have lost their cement coverings and tiles. As the water storage tank overflows for hours, a lot of trees have sprouted on the rooftop. The owners of SCO have complained about water seeping into the offices due to wall gaps caused by the tree trunks and roots.

“Despite being fully aware of the problems, the AIT authorities do not seem to be concerned about the market. One market worker, Pawan Kumar, said that the AIT was unable to maintain the complex’s cleanliness.