Mounting garbage dumps a breeding ground for diseases

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 9

Owing to undisposed garbage and filth accumulated in the residential areas of Kabir Nagar, Raj Nagar and DAV college, a sudden rise in the number of dengue cases has been reported. Everyday, around 10 patients suffering from dengue and high fever are admitted to a nearby private hospital. Staff members at the hospital said, almost every patient complaining of headache and fever was found positive with dengue symptoms.

Residents said garbage was not lifted regularly from the main garbage dumping point on the Burlton Park road, due to which household trash remained piled up near the residential colonies. Mohit, a resident of Rajnagar said, apart from heaps of garbage piled up at various local dumping sites, accumulated sewage and waste water also reflects a poor sight. The dumping areas have become a breeding ground for insects and mosquitoes.

Another resident, Brijesh Rana of Kabir Nagar, who is admitted to the hospital and has been recovering from dengue said he had complained to authorities many times but to no avail. Every day around 5-6 persons visit the hospital, he said. The doctors said, they were also reported to have similar symptoms. Brijesh added “ It was difficult for the passers-by to cross the road due to unbearable stench emanating from wet trash piled up at the Burlton Park. Adding to their woes, garbage is also burnt at several sites.

Unaware of the menace councillor of the area Mandeep Jassal said he would ask the sanitation workers to clean up the mess within two days.