Civic issues trouble residents of Kot Khalsa

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 13

The claims of the Municipal Corporation (MC) to get the city rid of heaps of garbage fall flat if one visits the Kot Khalsa area and its inner residential colonies. Stray dogs and pigs feeding on garbage dumps that occupy most of the open space and grounds is a common. The most affected areas include Guru Harkishan Nagar, Indira Colony and those in the vicinity, where drinking water supply is contaminated with sewage.

“The problem has persisted throughout years. We face a lot of inconvenience because of filth and choked drains. The MC’s garbage-lifting service is yet to begin here. New dustbins have not been installed. Old ones lie damaged and are insufficient for holding garbage,” says Parveen, an instructor at the Skill Development Centre run by an NGO and a resident of Guru Harkrishan Colony.

“Stray dogs and pigs roam all day long and create nuisance for commuters. Water supply is polluted. There is a complete lack of empathy shown to us by the civic authorities,” he adds.

Residents rued that despite several requests to MC officials, the garbage lifting in the area never really took off.

“Dilly dallying attitude of officials has aggravated the problem. Open grounds meant for parks have turned into dumping areas. There is garbage lying on roads, sometimes in nooks and corners of the narrow lanes leading to our houses. The MC installed smart dustbins everywhere, but not here,” said Madan Lal, a shopkeeper in the main market of Kot Khalsa.