An apology for waste management

Shiv Kumar Sharma

The Solid Waste Management Plant at Kail village on the old Jagadhri-Ambala National Highway in Yamunanagar district has been non-functional since December 2014, making disposal of garbage extremely difficult. 

The dumpsite near the plant has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bees and is spreading diseases in neighbouring villages such as Kail, Bhatli, Khera, Haripur and Haripur Ki Majri.

Employees of the Municipal Corporation (MC) Yamunanagar-Jagadhri dump non-segregated garbage collected from the two towns and 42 villages falling under the MC jurisdiction, in the open near the defunct plant. 

“It is difficult to pass through this area due to the foul smell emanating from garbage dumped there. Accidents have occurred due to distraction caused by the foul smell, as people lost control over their vehicles,” says Arjun Sudhail, a social worker.

The plant was established at Kail village in 2012 following the efforts of former Ambala MP and now Rajya Sabha member Kumari Selja.

Kail village sarpanch Raman Kumari’s husband Vikram Singh says that they have written a number of letters to the local administration, requesting it to make the plant functional or shift it and the garbage dumpsite elsewhere, but in vain.

“The plant and the garbage dumpsite are situated close to my village. The dumping ground has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bees, leading to a number of health and environment problems for the residents of Kail, Bhatli, Khera, Haripur and Haripur Ki Majri villages,” says Vikram.

GD Gupta, a local advocate, says that the MC had established the plant for the management of solid waste generated in twin towns of Yamunanagar and Jagadhri and villages for converting garbage into fertiliser.

“This sold waste management plant was set up at a cost of Rs 10.77 crore in 2012 but it functioned irregularly for some time. It has been non-functional since December 2014,” says Gupta. 

Lalit Kumar, Municipal Commissioner, says, “We are making efforts to make the solid waste management plant functional. We are hopeful that tenders will be called in near future to invite companies to operate it”.

Foul smell makes commuting difficult

Several hundred tonnes of garbage accumulated on the premises of the plant and in the adjoining area is polluting the environment. The old Jagadhri-Panchkula National Highway passing by the plant witnesses a lot of traffic and the foul odour of garbage makes commuting through the area a hellish experience. — Ram Kumar Radauri, former president of District Bar Association, Yamunanagar

Wrote to NGT, but no action taken

I had written to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) several months ago, requesting it to direct the MC authorities to make the plant functional but no action had been taken. I will again complain to the NGT. — GD Gupta, advocate