Back to square one: Apathy takes toll on Hazratganj

LUCKNOW: Often referred to as the heart of Lucknow, Hazratganj got a 400-crore facelift in 2011. In barely four years, however, the cultural and historical icon of the city has lost much of the sheen, with spit stains, choked drains, multi-coloured boards, scattered filth and haphazardly-parked vehicles becoming an eyesore for visitors.
The renovation was undertaken to restore the bygone glory of Hazratganj and make it stand out.Buildings were painted in ivory and pink, signages for the shops went black and white, and railing and lamp posts of victorian designs were installed to bring an old-world charm. Three fountains with colourful lights and underground trenches for cable and telephone wires were built. New drains were laid and road cleaning was made systematic. However, things have changed considerably now.
A reality check by TOI showed that right from dirty roads to haphazardly parked vehicles, Hazratganj testifies apathetic authorities and imprudent citizens. The drains by the side of Universal Booksellers and in front of multi-level parking often overflow, creating a sewage puddle at the corners. Irregular parking of two-wheelers on and around the footpaths makes the lanes chaotic for the pedestrians.
According to guidelines, the hoardings had to be hung at the same height. However, there at numerous additional boards of different colours at different levels in the market. Multi-level parking was constructed with an intent to keep the roads clear, but cars are parked by the roadside right from the Halwasiya turn to GPO street square. There are also scattered wrappers all around the roads and pavement.
Visitors carp about the open pits and dirty drains. Sudha Srivastava says, “There are pan stains on the walls and on the poles. Dirty accumulated water causes foul smell and is also unsafe for pedestrians and two-wheelers.”
Mukul Agarwal, a shop owner at Love Lane said, “People do not pay any heed towards keeping their surroundings clean. See the surroundings of any eating joint or pan shop. People eat and throw waste all around.”
Meanwhile, officials carried on the blame game.