Remove garbage, equipment from Ranjit Avenue site, directs minister

Punjab Minister for Local Government Dr Ravjot Singh on Tuesday directed immediate removal of garbage and machinery from a temporary dump site in the residential area of Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar. He said that the site must be cleaned twice daily.

During the session of the Punjab Assembly, while responding to a call attention notice by MLA from Amritsar North Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, the minister said that Ranjit Avenue is an important area in Amritsar. He said that the land was originally allocated to the firm Averda for parking vehicles collecting solid waste.

The firm subsequently began using the site as a secondary garbage collection point on a temporary basis, transforming it into an impromptu waste transfer station with stationary machinery. Dr Ravjot Singh stated that the company has been instructed to immediately remove all garbage and idle machinery from the site.

The Amritsar Municipal Corporation has already secured the area by installing fencing, said the minister, adding that the Municipal Commissioner has been directed to ensure that the site is cleaned thoroughly twice a day.

The minister further disclosed that the firm Averda intimated the Amritsar Municipal Corporation in February 2025 about their intention to exit the existing contract. Consequently, the municipal body will issue a new tender to onboard a fresh agency for door-to-door waste collection, transportation, processing and secure disposal.