Garbage heaps along bypass roads expose municipal corporation’s apathetic attitude

Heaps of garbage have once again resurfaced along green belts and bypass roads of Amritsar, exposing the failure of both the municipal corporation and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to maintain basic cleanliness on the major roads of the city. Uncollected waste, foul smell and unhygienic conditions have turned many stretches into virtual dumping grounds, leaving commuters and residents fuming over official apathy.

Large heaps of solid waste have appeared along the bypass road as garbage lifting has been irregular for weeks. The problem worsened after the private solid waste management firm, which was responsible for garbage collection, stopped operations in September. Though the municipal corporation has made temporary arrangements by hiring some former employees of the previous company, garbage lifting remains inconsistent and largely ineffective.

Residents allege that in the absence of strict supervision, private sanitation workers have begun dumping waste in green belts and on roadside areas to avoid long trips to the dumping site. The growing heaps of garbage not only emit unbearable stench, but have also become breeding-grounds for flies, mosquitoes and disease-causing pests. Stray dogs and cattle often gather around these garbage mounds, blocking roads and increasing the risk of accidents.

Commuters say the situation is deteriorating with each passing day. “This problem has been persisting for months. Earlier, only a few marriage palaces dumped waste, but now it seems like everyone is doing it. The smell is unbearable and the sight is awful. Authorities must clear the heaps and stop further dumping,” said Narinder Singh, a local resident.

Residents have also pointed out that despite repeated instructions by the municipal corporation, large commercial establishments and banquet halls continue to dump solid waste along the roadside. The civic body had earlier directed big waste generators to install their own waste processing units, but most of them failed to comply, resulting in unchecked dumping.

Local environmental activists warn that the constant piling of waste along the bypass not only pollutes the environment but also undermines the city’s image.