Jalandhar-based lawyer drags civic body to Lok Adalat over long-pending garbage mess
Raising strong concerns over unhygienic conditions and public health risks, Advocate Vikram Dutta has approached the Permanent Lok Adalat in Jalandhar, seeking urgent intervention against the Municipal Corporation’s alleged inaction over a large garbage dump on the city’s old GT Road. The location — directly opposite RCMP Crockery Store and Kay Pee Bakery — lies in the heart of the busy commercial area and has reportedly turned into a serious public nuisance.
The legal application, filed under Sections 22-B and 22-C of the Legal Services Authorities Act, was submitted by Dutta through his counsel Advocate JP Singh. The petition calls for immediate and binding directions to the civic authorities to lift garbage, clean the area and maintain hygiene standards at all times.
According to the application, the garbage dump has been growing for years and is now spreading unbearable stench, unsanitary conditions and potential health hazards to people living and working nearby.
Dutta, a resident of Defence Colony and a self-described public-spirited citizen, said he personally visited the spot recently to purchase goods and was appalled by the unhygienic conditions.
“It’s hard to believe this is the main road of a city like Jalandhar. The stench is so bad that passersby are forced to cover their noses, while shopkeepers struggle to do business in this environment,” said Advocate JP Singh, who appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
“Repeated verbal complaints were made on the Municipal Corporation’s helpline and even personal visits were made to their office, but the problem remained unaddressed,” he said.
The application states that despite the civic body’s statutory obligation under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, to ensure proper waste management and cleanliness, its officials have “miserably failed” to discharge their duty. Photographs submitted along with the petition reportedly show piles of garbage scattered across the roadside, giving rise to breeding of flies, foul odour and unhygienic conditions. The location is not only a major market hub, but also a frequently used route by thousands of commuters every day.
After considering the arguments presented, the Permanent Lok Adalat admitted the case and issued a notice to the Municipal Corporation, directing it to appear before the Bench on June 2. Besides seeking removal of the garbage dump, the petition also demands that the civic body be directed to ensure the area remains clean in the future, in the interest of public health and civic responsibility.
“This is not just about one spot — it reflects a larger issue of neglect in urban management. When residents concerned are forced to move court just to have garbage lifted, it shows the urgency of addressing systemic failures in our civic administration,” Dutta said. He said it was expected that the upcoming hearing on June 2 would throw light on the Municipal Corporation’s response to charges levelled and whether any corrective action was initiated since the filing of the application.
