Vallah Mandi plagued by stagnant water, garbage

Vallah Mandi, one of the largest vegetable markets in the region, has become a breeding ground for diseases due to its deplorable condition. Despite serving as a major hub for vegetable traders and farmers from nearby districts and states like Jammu and Kashmir, the market is plagued by piles of garbage, stagnant water and a strong stench.

The market’s deteriorating state has been a long-standing issue. The Vegetable Producers Organisation has repeatedly raised concerns over the years. Lakhbir Singh, a leader of the organisation, voiced his concern, stating that the poor condition of the mandi affects both farmers and consumers alike.

He said the issue was discussed nearly five years ago during a district grievance committee meeting, where it was decided that land would be acquired for an alternative site to shift the mandi. However, despite assurances from the government, the mandi continues to operate at its current location, where poor drainage and lack of sanitation remain serious problems.

Farmers said the state government had given written promises on two occasions that the condition of the market would be improved. They pointed out that the mandi, developed in 1978, now collects rainwater from the entire area, with no facility for drainage, leading to frequent waterlogging.

Bhupinder Singh Tirathpur, another leader of the Vegetable Producers Organisation, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress. He recalled that Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, a former Congress member who was part of the district grievance redressal committee when the issue was raised, had made commitments. However, even after becoming a Cabinet minister, the matter remained unresolved. Now that he has lost his Cabinet berth, farmers fear the issue may be further neglected.

Market committee officials claim that the mandi’s proximity to an Army ammunition depot restricts them from undertaking any major construction work. The Vegetable Producers Organisation is now demanding a permanent solution from the Punjab Government, district administration and marketing board officials. They hope the authorities will finally take notice and implement necessary steps to improve the market’s condition.