Amritsar city continues to struggle with waste management in New Year

The New Year has brought no respite from garbage woes for the city, with heaps of waste piling up across the place, including roadsides and vacant plots. A visit to areas like IDH market, Nehru Shopping Complex and Majitha road reveals missing dustbins, forcing residents to throw waste everywhere.In the absence of dustbins where people can put aside litter in a proper manner, the roads have turned into garbage dumping sites.

The Municipal Corporation's (MC) faulty garbage disposal system and irregular emptying of dustbins have exacerbated the problem. Despite administrative orders to take action against those throwing waste at undesignated places, implementation has been lacking. Residents blame both themselves and the MC for the unhygienic conditions.

"People must think before throwing waste on roads, and the MC vehicles must follow proper protocol," says Baldev Singh Sandhu, a local resident. Open tractor-trailers carrying garbage are often spotted in the city, highlighting the need for proper waste management, he says.

Residents demand more covered dustbins for disposal of waste. "Shopkeepers are hesitant to allow dustbins near their shops due to uncertainty over whether they would be emptied on time," says Ram Kumar, another resident. He emphasises that a proper garbage collection and disposal system is essential to tackle the issue.

The MC must take immediate action to address the issue of garbage disposal, including providing more dustbins and ensuring regular emptying. Residents must also shoulder their responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.

Until then, it seems that the city’s garbage woes would continue to plague the city. The situation is a wake-up call for the authorities and residents to work together to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.