Phagwara: Civic body yet to remove garbage from dump site

Ashok Kaura

Phagwara, July 9

The large pile of garbage at the temporary dump near the Gaushala in Mehli Gate area of Phagwara, established by the Municipal Corporation, seems to mock at court orders. Despite the court’s injunction, the MC is yet to remove the garbage. Instead, the pile of waste continues to grow day by day. It is noteworthy that the Permanent Lok Adalat in Kapurthala, during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social worker Sanjeev Ghai, not only prohibited dumping of waste at the site on July 5 but also ordered thorough cleaning of the dump and submission of a compliance report by July 24.

Flouting court order

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Despite the court’s injunction order, the pile of waste continues to grow day by day. It is noteworthy that the Permanent Lok Adalat in Kapurthala, during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social worker Sanjeev Ghai, not only prohibited dumping of waste at the site on July 5 but also ordered thorough cleaning of the dump and submission of a compliance report by July 24

Sanjeev Ghai alleged that garbage is still being brought and dumped in sacks at the site, where stray animals often scavenge, ingesting harmful materials like plastic, which can be fatal for them. Despite presenting a copy of the court order to the civic body administration, officials remain indifferent.

Ghai said the monsoon season has exacerbated the issue, with the wet garbage emanating a foul odour that is polluting the environment. The dump is infested with flies and mosquitoes, an open invitation to diseases.

The area around the garbage dump has become densely populated over time. There are temples and gurdwaras nearby, and a large statue of Lord Shiva is situated right next to the dump besides developed areas like Professors Colony and Guru Harkrishan Nagar, with the wall of Varindra Park adjoining the site. Consequently, the area sees considerable foot traffic throughout the day.

It has been observed that the garbage dump is set to be a central issue in the coming municipal elections, yet no politician has managed to get it removed. The Municipal Corporation has also not shown any interest in resolving the problem. The situation has reached a point where even with the Lok Adalat’s orders, municipal officials have not taken any action, leading to significant disappointment among the residents regarding the functioning of the civic body. Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner Anupam Kaler, when contacted, assured that the required steps would be taken soon.

Meeting held to

improve cleanliness

In a continued effort to improve cleanliness in the city, Municipal Commissioner Anupam Kaler convened a meeting with representatives of various NGOs, temples and gurdwaras.

The discussion focused on the segregation of wet and dry waste and strategies to raise public awareness on proper waste management.

MC Commissioner Kaler urged all to ensure that wet and dry waste is separated before being handed over to sanitation workers. She stressed the importance of constructing separate pits for waste in their respective areas. Attendees were encouraged to organise regular meetings and camps to educate the general public on waste segregation. Collaboration with large waste generators, such as hotels, restaurants and marriage palaces was highlighted to motivate people for segregation of waste at source.

Thakur Dwara Pracheen Shiv Mandir general secretary Inderjit Singh Kalra and cashier Rajesh Sharma were given the Excellence Award by the Municipal Commissioner for their efforts in processing wet and dry waste at the temple.

Kaler said issuing of challans has begun for individuals who do not comply with the waste segregation rules. The meeting was also attended by prominent residents including Malkeet Singh Ragbotra, Vandana Sharma, Raman Nehra and others.