Trash on the loose, health on the line in holy city

In the absence of proper lifting of garbage, including the resumption of door-to-door lifting, various pockets of holy city Amritsar have virtually turned into garbage dumps.

This has triggered widespread health concerns among residents, who have frequently criticised civic authorities over the issue.

Residents said the open dumping of garbage, especially on roadsides, could lead to respiratory ailments and stomach-related infections. Until door-to-door lifting of garbage was resumed, the problem would persist, residents added.

Health experts echo similar sentiments, urging the district administration to take serious steps to address the issue.

“Heaps of garbage on the city’s roadsides have become a serious public health concern, exposing residents to a host of infectious and chronic diseases. These sites act as ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, flies and rodents,” said Dr Rajiv Sharma, a physician.

The fear of catching illnesses such as malaria, dengue, cholera, typhoid, gastrointestinal infections and plague loomed over area residents, he added.

Also, the widespread practice of burning trash, including plastics, contributes to severe respiratory issues, particularly among children, the elderly and those with asthma or other chronic lung diseases.

Prolonged exposure to these fumes could lead to long-term ailments — including bronchitis, allergies and reduced lung function, warned Dr Naresh Chawla, former District TB Officer and a chest specialist.

Vijay Kumar, a resident of the Purni Chungi area (near Guru Nanak Dev University), said waste in the locality remained unattended for days, despite repeated complaints to municipal authorities.

He urged the authorities concerned to take steps on priority to resolve the issue — by way of regular garbage collection, segregation at source, and stricter enforcement against illegal dumping.

With temperatures dipping and air pollution rising, doctors caution that the combination of smog and rotting garbage could pose serious health dangers for children, the elderly and those with compromised immunity.