Permanent solution need of the hour

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 21

The MC has so far failed to ensure lifting of segregated waste in a majority of parts in the city. It has even failed to place bins in most of the markets and public places in the city, giving it an ugly look. Foul smell emitting from garbage dumps has made the life of residents miserable, as even lifting is not done in a proper way according to them.

Now, residents want the upcoming MC House to ensure handling of solid waste management in a rightful manner so that they can get relief from insanitary conditions. They also want from candidates to take a pledge to ensure shifting of roadside garbage dumps.

Uncovered dumps

There are around 50 major secondary garbage dumping sites along or on the city roads. A majority of these are uncovered and many times garbage spills on to the roads. Several such dumps are located on the national or state highways passing through the city. Garbage is also thrown on service lane near Jodhewal Basti on the national highway. Besides, dumps adjoining Scooter Market near Bhai Chattar Singh Park in Model Town, Jawahar Nagar, Sarabha Nagar and various other areas have become a nuisance for shopkeepers, commuters and residents.

Besides, uncovered garbage dumps near Aarti Chowk, Aggar Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Jodhewal Basti, Tajpur Road, Ferozepur Road, Gill Road, Rishi Nagar, Focal Point, Dhandari and near Jalandhar bypass among various other areas have become a major nuisance for residents. Stray animals are commonly seen on such dumps. 

Bins unavailable

The MC had earlier distributed green and blue bins for segregating waste on World Environment Day in selected parts of the city. However, the segregation of waste has not been ensured in most areas. “MC’s new House should increase budget to ensure handling of solid waste management. Bins must be installed in all public places and markets to avoid littering. Dumps near educational institutes must be shifted at the earliest. The upcoming MC House should redress this issue,” said Satish Thaman, a member of Ludhiana West Grievances Redressal Committee.

Vacant plots turn into dumping sites

Several vacant plots and government land in the city have become dumping sites. It has been seen that many people do not want to pay garbage pickers, due to which they generally dump garbage on plots. Residents want that such nuisance be stopped and the responsibility of plot owners be fixed.

Static waste compactors

The MC has installed a static waste compactor near Canal Bridge, Dugri, to redress the issue of a major uncovered garbage dump. In September last year, Local Bodies Department Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu had announced Rs 40 crore for static waste compactors. According to information, Ludhiana Improvement Trust is supposed to install static waste compactors at 12 different places in the city. A LIT official said they have got the approval for it at eight sites in the city. However, tenders are yet to be floated.

Residentspeak

"The civic body should ensure segregation and lifting of waste in a rightful manner so that it can be used for various purposes. Non-biodegradable waste, including plastic, glass and polythene can be used to make roads in the cheapest way and also increase the durability of roads as made in Warangal district in Telengana. Biodegradable waste, including garbage, kitchen waste, animal dung and agricultural waste, can be converted into clean, cheap biogas fuel, manure. Proper utilisation of water can also increase the income of MC, farmers as well as civilians." Varinder Pathak, a lecturer

"Elected representatives fail to find a solution to poor solid waste management. Open garbage dumps on roads and educational institutes has been creating a nuisance, but no efforts have been made to provide any relief. There should be no garbage dump on or along the roads. A garbage dump near Government Girls School at Jawahar Nagar should be removed at the earliest. The authorities should fix the responsibility of plot owners to maintain cleanliness on their land. Besides, residents should also understand their obligation to keep their surroundings clean. The new councillors should ensure disposal of solid waste as per norms." Anoop Garg, businessman 

"We have been complaining about open garbage dump adjoining Scooter Market for a long time, but there is no relief. Many shop owners and workers have fallen ill because of insanitary conditions due to garbage dump. It is hard to breathe due to the foul smell emitting from the dump as lifting is not done properly. It is the responsibility of the civic body to shift the dump to another place so that we can do our work under clean environment." Satinderpal Singh, president, scooter sellers market association