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Call to remove garbage dump on Shobha Yatra route

Ravidas Jayanti on Feb 12
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Massive garbage dump near Doaba Khalsa School, Nakodar Road, Jalandhar. Photo Sarabjit Singh
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Avneet Kaur

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 2

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With Guru Ravidas Jayanti approaching and the Shobha Yatra on February 11 likely, residents and shopkeepers on the Nakodar road are demanding immediate action to remove a massive garbage dump between Doaba Khalsa School and Nari Niketan.

They argue that the unattended waste not is an eyesore, but also poses health hazards, especially when hundreds of devotees are set to visit Sat Guru Ravidas Dham for the celebrations.

Despite repeated complaints, the Municipal Corporation has failed to ensure regular garbage lifting, leading to the waste piling up and at times spilling onto the road.

Locals say the problem has worsened over time, with no proper disposal mechanism in place. “The stench is unbearable and stray dogs and cattle keep rummaging through the garbage. We run a sanitary shop here and customers often walk away because of the foul smell,” said Ramesh Kumar, a shopkeeper near the dump.

The area is home to several businesses, including a dhaba, a hospital and schools, all of which are struggling with the unsanitary conditions. "Patients coming to our clinic complain about the unbearable smell. It’s shameful that such conditions exist right in the middle of a busy market area," said Anil Sharma, who works in a clinic nearby.

Commuters also say the garbage dump often encroaches on the road, leading to accidents. “Many times, garbage covers nearly half the road. I’ve seen bikers skid and fall while trying to avoid the waste. It’s not just an inconvenience, it’s risky,” said Sukhbir Singh, a daily commuter.

With thousands of devotees expected to walk through the area for the Shobha Yatra and the 'mela' (which is held on this road every year), residents argue that the garbage dump presents a terrible image of the city. “This road will be packed with people from all over the district coming to pay their respects at the guru. Instead of a welcoming atmosphere, they will be greeted by filth and foul smells. It’s embarrassing,” said Surinder Pal, a local resident.

Residents and business owners say that the authorities need to act immediately to clean the area before the celebrations. "We are not asking for anything extraordinary—just basic cleanliness and proper garbage disposal. It’s a necessity, especially with such a significant event around the corner,” said another shopkeeper.

Meanwhile, MC officials claim that proper lifting is being done to ensure the area remains clean. They say swift action will be taken to ensure that the city is clean and presentable before the celebrations.

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