Garbage crisis : Protect workers and public health
The Tribune Editorial : A city's cleanliness is often taken for granted until garbage begins to accumulate
Updated At : 07:08 AM Jul 22, 2026 IST
GARBAGE piling up on Punjab’s streets is not just an eyesore; it is a public health emergency waiting to unfold. The Punjab and Haryana High Court's warning about the risk of an epidemic amid the ongoing sanitation workers' strike underscores that civic services are the foundation of urban life. During the monsoon, uncollected waste can clog drains, contaminate water sources and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents, heightening the threat of diseases. The court is right to demand reports from civic bodies across the state and seek accountability from the government. Municipal administrations ought to have contingency plans for essential services, especially those directly linked to public health.
