Stinky affair: Garbage dumped along Jalandhar highways paints a sorry picture

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 3

The highways usually are open to much delight. Most paint a picture of near perfect upkeeping and of course, are expected to be traffic-less. But, the Maqsudan bypass roadway is completely on the opposite end of spectrum of what one can think of a highway.

There are heaps of garbage lying here. Multitudes of waste can be seen dumped at vacant plots adjacent to it. In addition, stray cattle after hovering about it hinder the traffic causing snarls. The road, one of the busiest in the city, leads to the Pathankot Chowk, Industrial area, railway station and other residential areas.

A dhaba owner in the area said: “Garbage needs to be lifted soon. In morning and evening, huge traffic could be seen on the road due to stray cattle blocking the way of vehicles. Being one of the busiest roads in the city, it is necessary for the corporation to install a proper bin and ensure timely lifting,” a dhaba owner says. He also suggested that rag picking be curtailed as a lot of waste is spilled in that process.

Owing to the Municipal Corporation’s (MC) apathy the problem is on the rise as is the the stench becoming unbearable day by day for everyone who happens to pass by the area. Though the officials concerned say the issue shall be resolved soon. “Nothing concrete is visible,” says Satish Kumar, a resident of Transport Nagar. “Rains only make it worse, the stink is killing!” he adds.

The slum dwellers have also occupied sporadic spots, and in the absence of a bin are also doing their part to turn the land into a dumping ground. Which sooner or later, if immediate action is not taken, seems very likely to happen.

The sanitary inspector of the area, says, “The road is common and leads to many residential areas.” Hence, on request of residents, he had appealed to the MC sanitation department many a times to install a high-capacity bin “but all in vain as they always get away with their responsibility by citing several reasons.”