Railings,benches,lights stolen from greenbelts,MC a mute spectator

Such thefts have been reported from most sectors in the city. However,it is more acute in the sectors adjoining colonies or the peripheral areas. At times,in parks where construction work is on,railings are uprooted and left unsupervised,thereby,inviting thefts. Besides materials,parts of fountains which can be resold are also stolen,leaving the fountains defunct. The list also included the chains of swings for children.

Chairman of the Federation of Sectors Welfare Association Chandigarh (FOSWAC),P C Sanghi,said: “The Municipal Corporation staff should supervise these areas in a better way. Regular checks should be conducted and safety of the material ensured,” he added. There have been instances when residents — having noticed loose bolts on railings — had informed the horticulture department or at times,kept pieces of railings in their residences to ensure that these are not stolen,said Sanghi.

The MC pays between Rs 62 to Rs 68 per kg for iron railings. This can be sold to scrap dealers for around Rs 40 to Rs 45 a kg. The civic body has now started installing concrete benches instead of those made of iron. At places where iron benches have gone missing,concrete benches have been installed.

“It is the responsibility of the officials to ensure adequate supervision. Public money is involved. The officials cannot install equipment and forget about it. People expect them to take care of it,” said Councillor Brig (retd) K S Chandpuri.

The issue has time and again been taken up for discussion in the Environment and City Beautification Committee of the Municipal Corporation. It was also proposed that security guards be hired,at least in bigger gardens and greenbelts. The committee Chairman,Pardeep Chhabra,said: “Security guards will soon be hired. These guards will be on duty in the night and ensure that MC property is protected.”

Helpless civic body

MC officials expressed their helplessness when it comes to putting an end to such incidents of thefts. According to them,after the thefts,FIRs are lodged. “The police is approached in case of a theft. However,if the material is not found,then tenders are floated and new equipment is installed,” said Chief Engineer S S Bida. The horticulture department is responsible for maintenance of these green spaces.