Hall Gate in Amritsar turns eyesore as MC fails to act on sanitation

The entrance to the walled city has turned into an eyesore, with heaps of garbage and pools of stagnant water lining the old Sabji Mandi area outside Hall Gate near Bhandari Bridge, exposing the poor state of Amritsar’s sanitation system. The crucial route connecting the bus stand to Hall Gate, which should offer a smooth and welcoming approach for residents and visitors alike, has instead become a dumping ground.

Heaps of waste, foul smell and stray animals now dominate the stretch, making it nearly impassable. Commuters say that apart from the unbearable stench, the accumulated filth poses a serious risk of diseases and accidents. Illegal kiosks have also been set up by unidentified persons in the area. The municipal corporation (MC) had earlier proposed developing a parking lot at the site, but the plan never materialised. Currently, private buses can be seen parked illegally, worsening the congestion.

The neglected condition around Bhandari Bridge highlights the urgent need for civic accountability and immediate remedial action. Residents say that without consistent monitoring and timely response, such problems will continue to damage the city’s image and threaten public health.

“This road is the main entry to the heart of the city. But instead of a welcoming sight, all visitors see is garbage and sewage water. The administration seems to have completely forgotten this area,” said Ramesh Sharma, a shopkeeper near Bhandari Bridge.

“The sewer water keeps overflowing, garbage piles up, and stray cattle make it worse. It feels like no one is responsible anymore,” said Ravi, a local resident.

“This is the entry point to a city that attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Such conditions send the wrong message to visitors and tarnish Amritsar’s reputation,” said Gurpreet Singh, another resident.