BJP's Khanna writes to PSHRC over waste crisis in Phagwara

Former Rajya Sabha member and ex-MLA from Garhshankar Avinash Rai Khanna has written to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), urging it to take cognizance of what he termed a clear case of human rights violation arising from administrative inaction over the post-Diwali waste crisis in Phagwara.

In his letter addressed to the Chairman of the commission, Khanna cited a recent news report titled “Phagwara grapples with post-Diwali waste surge” published in The Tribune, highlighting the plight of residents struggling with heaps of garbage and unhygienic conditions after the festive celebrations.

Khanna expressed concern over the “complete inaction” of the municipal authorities, stating that the accumulation of waste posed serious health and sanitation risks to the public. “The failure of officials to maintain cleanliness amounts to a denial of basic human rights,” he wrote, urging the commission to intervene immediately.

The former BJP leader requested the commission to direct the departments to undertake urgent cleaning drives in the affected areas and fix accountability for the lapse. He emphasised that such negligence not only tarnishes the image of the administration, but also directly affects the dignity and well-being of citizens.

Khanna concluded his appeal by expressing hope that the commission would act swiftly “to ensure relief to the suffering residents and uphold the principles of human rights and civic responsibility.”