Chandigarh MC elections: In Asha Kumari Jaswal’s ward, rehris still collect waste

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 21

Two-bin waste vehicles have replaced carts for door-to-door waste collection in the entire city, but rehris continue to ply in Sector 21, which comes under ward number 17 of councillor and former Mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal.

Vehicles have been introduced everywhere except Sector 21 due to a payment issue. I have fulfilled all poll promises. Some people may question my physical presence in the ward. I want to clarify that due to old age, I limited my visits during Covid. Asha Kumari Jaswal

Residents said what was the point of spending crores of rupees on buying the vehicles when rehris were still being used. At some places in Sector 21, both vehicles and rehris function. The system was started in December last year in a phased manner.

Kuldeep Singh Gill, president, Bright RWA, Sector 21, said, “Vehicles never started here. Rehris collect garbage from houses and put it in vehicles parked nearby. Besides, garbage dumps are everywhere and horticulture waste remains dumped outside houses as no one comes to remove it. There is no maintenance of service lanes.”

FOSWAC chairman Baljinder Singh Bittu, who also lives in Sector 21, said, “Sanitation has taken a big hit. Waste collection is not done properly. The Sector 21 market has increasing number of motor mechanic shops, which have made the market area dirty.”

Sector 19 is also facing similar issues. Rajiv Moudgill, president of the RWA, Sector 19, lamented, “Our Sector is badly crying for attention. Waste vehicles come after two-three days. Even before residents come to know that the vehicles have arrived in the locality, these move to other areas. Besides, waste dumps can be seen everywhere. There are potholes on roads and only patchwork is being done. The neighbourhood parks are ill-maintained. Street lights are not working at several areas, including roads near the two local temples.” Some Sector 19 and 21 RWA members complained that the councillor was “not visible” in their area during the five-year term.

Kamaljit Singh Panchi, president of the RWA, Sector 18, said, “The councillor was accessible and has formed a WhatsApp group where she solves residents’ problems. However, like the whole city, we have a big problem of stray dogs. The ones creating trouble should be shifted to dog pounds.”

Asha Kumari Jaswal

BJP councillor from ward number 17

Area: Sector 18,19, 21

Promises: Improving civic issues

Result: Residents feel needful not done

Achievements claimed

• Waterlogging, dirty water supply issues in Sector 18 resolved
• New Community Centre, Sector 21, being constructed
• Open-air gyms set up
• Sewage, water pipeline work done in cheap houses, Sector 19
• Green belts upgraded

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.