Locals raise stink over garbage woes

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 6

The tall claims of the Patiala Municipal Corporation (MC) regarding cleanliness in the city have fallen flat as mounds of garbage could be seen dumped at many locations in the city.

While the MC boasts about having created necessary facilities and worked towards cleanliness, situation on ground tells a different story. Piles of garbage could be seen strewn along roadside at numerous locations. Besides, the issue of overflowing and leaking sewerage pipes continues to irk residents.

Dumping sites near Dhob ghat, at Dharampura bazaar, Arna Barna chowk, Badungar road, near Professor Gursewak Singh Government College of Physical Education, flyover near Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib are not the only ones. MC officials have claimed that there are about 60 locations in the city where garbage is dumped.

Residents say setting up of three bins at the Nabha gate has turned out to be futile as these are normally full and not cleared regularly by the respective authorities resulting in the waste to spill around the bins.

Kishore Chander, who has a cycle repair shop near dustbins, said, “The officials installed dustbins to manage waste, but the garbage is seen strewn near the dustbins. It’s disturbing”

Officials said garbage accumulation at various dumping sites had been timed. The MC’s project for setting up of smart semi underground waste collection bins and compactors was yet to be implemented. Ankur Mahendru, Joint Commissioner, MC, said, “We had proposed to set up smart semi-underground waste collection bins and compactors at 36 locations. The process of procuring and fabricating vehicles for the purpose is going on. The civil work for the project is nearing completion. We will be able to implement and run the project by February.”

The low-lying areas in the city have also been facing the problem of overflowing and blocked sewerage lines and gutters. The sewerage blockage near the Beant Singh complex, Nabha gate and Dhob ghat has been continuing since long with no check by officials.

The Joint Commissioner said, “We have prepared an estimate for the cleaning of the wadda nullah where a lot of debris and plastic waste have been collected. Most likely the project will be cleared by month-end.”