Ludhiana's new civic body still on paper

On December 21 last year, the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) was dissolved in the industrial city of Ludhiana and replaced with a new body called Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA).

The development, though, is still on paper. Employees say they are still not clear whether they are working for PUDA or GLADA.

The new body would focus on the development of not only Ludhiana, but also the peripheral areas like Phillaur and Goraya, which are part of the Jalandhar district.

Officials, for their part, give the excuse that GLADA could not take off as preparations for the Assembly elections started soon after its formation was announced.

The authorities have not even bothered to spread the word about the new body. So much so that even realtors who have invested in Ludhiana are unaware about the change. Officials now say that the new department will take shape once the government is formed.

Speaking to Business Standard, Additional Chief Administrator (ACA) PUDA S R Kler said he is now the ACA of GLADA, but this authority is yet to take a formal shape. "The employees, too, are yet to be transferred to GLADA. For the time being, we are working according to the guidelines of PUDA,'' he said.

Kaler added that GLADA would have its own bylaws, rules and regulations. It would function as a local area development committee.

For now, MC Commissioner Vikas Pratap has been temporarily appointed as the Chief Administrator of GLADA. Its main office is at Ferozepur Road, and is still called the PUDA office.