MP Sanjeev Arora Leads Meeting for Beautification Stretch Under Elevated Highway on Ferozepur Road

Ludhiana, November 7, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora convened a key meeting at the Municipal Corporation (MC) office on Thursday to finalize plans for the beautification of 7 kilometres stretch under the elevated highway on Ferozepur Road in Ludhiana.

Following the meeting, MP Arora briefed the media, announcing a collaborative initiative between leading industrialists, the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aimed at enhancing the aesthetic and environmental quality of this important stretch. The project will involve select industry leaders contributing to both the beautification and sustainable upkeep of designated areas along the route.

Representatives from leading Ludhiana-based industries participated in the discussion to strategize this beautification effort. Major industrialists of Ludhiana Onkar Singh Pahwa of Avon Cycles, Anoop Bector of Cremica, SK Rai of Hero Cycles Limited, Anuj of Hampton Sky Realty Ltd, Bonn Bread, Sonal Mahajan from DCM Young Entrepreneurs School, Satyan Bhatia of ICM among others were present. Industry involvement will encompass landscaping, lighting, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the project's success.

Arora highlighted that the primary objectives include the establishment of green belts, median plantations, and visually appealing landscapes to revitalize the image of the City. He expressed his commitment to securing ongoing maintenance support from the participating industries to ensure the long-term sustainability of the beautified areas. Thursday’s agenda covered the project goals, NHAI's role, the responsibilities of designated road sections, and open discussion among industry representatives.

It was decided to take the services of PAU for planning and proper horticulture plantation. Being under the over bridge plants will have to be which need minimal watering and sunlight.
Arora extended gratitude to Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal & PD of NHAI Priyanka for organising the meeting. He noted that the project spans the section of the National Highway under the elevated road from Bharat Nagar Chowk to the beginning of the elevated road on Ferozepur Road, envisioning a remarkable transformation of Ludhiana’s urban landscape once the beautification is complete.

The NHAI has shared Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the project, though certain elements were open to further discussion among stakeholders. The involved industries have agreed to undertake the project as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, with advertising opportunities offered as an incentive. The beautification efforts will involve sapling plantations, painting, and landscaping, with the guidance of experts from PAU, Ludhiana.

MP Arora assured that he would address any concerns raised during the meeting with the Regional Officer of NHAI, Chandigarh, and expressed optimism that the project would commence within the next four to six weeks.

The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Aaditya Dachalwal (Municipal Commissioner, Ludhiana), Priyanka Meena (Project Director, NHAI, Ludhiana) and Ankur Mahendru (Joint Commissioner MC).

Addressing the meeting, Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal assured that the whole of Ludhiana would be beautified considering this stretch as a lead.