Open house: Has civic campaign been effective against illegal dumping of waste, sewerage issues?

Civic optics versus systemic overhaul

The Municipal Corporation of Amritsar’s so-called “biggest civic campaign” has garnered visibility but falters in tangible outcomes. While short-term beautification efforts—such as mural paintings, cosmetic clean-ups and anti-litter drives—have marginally enhanced aesthetics, they merely scratch the surface. Illegal open dumping of waste persists due to lack of surveillance, punitive action and public cooperation. Sewerage-related woes, rooted in an outdated drainage system and erratic desilting, continue unabated. The absence of waste segregation at source, poor community awareness and insufficient sanitation staff dilute the initiative’s long-term effectiveness. For the campaign to transcend performative gestures, institutional reforms, smart waste infrastructure and citizen accountability are imperative. Without these, the drive may become a fleeting spectacle—a civic mirage, not a meaningful metamorphosis.

Preetpal Singh Chhina

Good step but more planning needed

The Municipal Corporation of Amritsar launched a large-scale civic campaign to improve the city’s cleanliness and national ranking. In just a week, some visible improvements can be seen—main roads and public spots appear cleaner and awareness messages are spreading. However, real issues like illegal dumping of garbage and poor sewerage management still continue in many parts of the city. In small streets and inner colonies, open garbage spots remain untouched, and drains often overflow, emitting a foul smell and posing health risks. These areas are often ignored, limiting the campaign to visible zones. As a resident, I feel this initiative is a positive step, but for real change, deeper planning is needed. Regular monitoring, improved waste systems, and active public participation are key. The campaign must reach every corner, not just the main roads, to make Amritsar truly cleaner and healthier in the long run.

Vaani Mehra

Discourage illegal dumping of garbage

No, I don’t think so. This is because of the harsh fact that despite the removal of garbage by MC authorities, city dwellers again throw garbage at the same place and the same problem of dirty environment arises. Moreover, in our city, sewerage related issues are too serious as MC authorities have completely failed to do the needful. A little spell of rain results in waterlogging on roads, as water gets accumulated and there is no provision to drain out the accumulated water on roads. Moreover, in our city, in some areas, due to dirty sewerage, clean water also does not flow in taps. The MC should awaken from deep slumber as merely advertising won’t do. The need of the hour is to take strict action against city residents who openly dump garbage. Secondly, it should do something concrete to solve sewerage related issues in our city. It can take the help of Chandigarh MC authorities, if it is failing in its duty to resolve this problem.

Sanjay Chawla

City requires more than just slogans

I am writing to share my views on the recently launched ‘biggest civic campaign’ by the Municipal Corporation. The campaign was started with the promise to improve the city’s national cleanliness ranking and make it more beautiful. However, even after one week of the campaign, I do not see much change on the ground. Garbage is still being dumped openly in many areas. People continue to throw waste on empty plots and roadsides, and no strict action seems to be taken to stop this. Dustbins are either missing or overflowing, which shows poor planning and follow-up. Another major problem is the city’s sewerage system. Many roads and streets are still waterlogged due to blocked drains. In some areas, dirty water is flowing on to the roads, creating a bad smell and making it hard for people to walk or drive. This also becomes a health hazard, especially for children and elderly citizens. While the campaign looks good on posters and social media, its impact in real life is very limited so far. A clean and healthy city requires more than just slogans. We need regular waste collection, better drainage and public awareness programmes to stop people from dumping garbage openly.

Balkar Singh

Consistent efforts are required

The Municipal Corporatio’s civic campaign aims to improve the city’s cleanliness. However, a week into the initiative, it’s uncertain whether the campaign has been effective in tackling pressing issues like illegal open dumping of garbage and sewerage-related problems.

While the corporation has taken steps to address the Bhagatanwala garbage dump, transforming it into a landscaped garden, the progress is slow. The dump, which had accumulated over 10 lakh metric tonnes of waste, is expected to be cleared by November 2025. The corporation has increased daily garbage collection from 280 tonnes to 590 tonnes, which is a positive step. Sewerage-related issues persist, with residents reporting sewage blockages and contaminated water supply, posing health risks. The campaign’s effectiveness depends on sustained efforts and community engagement. To achieve lasting results, the Municipl Corporation should ensure efficient waste management, fix sewerage issues, impose penalties for dumping and littering, and educate residents on proper waste disposal. 0 In conclusion, while the campaign is a step in the right direction, its success depends on consistent efforts and tangible results.

Jatinder Preet Singh

Give MC time to perform

The recent civic campaign is a welcome step towards improving the city’s cleanliness and visual appeal. While some may criticise the campaign’s progress, it’s essential to acknowledge the efforts being made to address the city’s pressing issues. It would be unjustified if we do not appreciate the efforts. However, at the same time, there is a need to be vigilant and ensure that the efforts are made in the right direction. Also, more stringent efforts are required to free the city of illegal encroachments. It would be unfair to expect immediate solutions to complex problems but the situation must improve. The residents should give the Municipal corporation enough time to show its commitment. Also, cooperation on the part of residents is required to make the campaign a success. The MC issues guidelines from time to time to ensure proper sanitation and the residents should follow it like segregating dry and wet waste, that is segregation at source.

Sarika Sharma

What’s the issue?

The civic authorities in collaboration with the NGOs recently launched the biggest civic campaign to elevate the city’s national cleanliness ranking and enhance its visual appearance. The campaign lasted for a number of days with claims of some improvement in the situation. The campaign assumes significance in light of the city’s appeal as a major centre of religious and tourist attraction. There are also expectations of a large number of visitors arriving in view of the ninth Guru’s martyrdom anniversary in November.

QUESTION for next week

Repeated allegations surface regarding the lack of amenities at Amritsar airport’s parking and absence of mass transport connectivity with Amritsar city. What do you think can be done to improve the connectivity between city and airport and provide better amenities in the parking bay?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (August 14)