Ludhiana, Sept. 21 -- Despite being one of the city's busiest commercial hubs, Feroze Gandhi Market is struggling with poor sanitation and lack of basic civic amenities. Shopkeepers and daily visitors have raised serious concerns over the unhygienic conditions in the area, especially when the government is running special cleanliness drives across the city.

Located in the heart of the city, the market houses major bank branches, restaurants, and offices, including the Ludhiana Improvement Trust. However, residents say that the market's condition does not reflect its commercial importance. Overflowing sewage, garbage dumped in open plots, and rising rodent population are now common sights.

Sanjeev Gupta, a shopkeeper, said, "Even behind ...