Unchecked development adds to garbage woes in Kapurthala

Last year, three lives were lost in Kapurthala due to a diarrhoea outbreak linked to widespread insanitary conditions, including a nearby garbage dump that allowed toxic residue to seep into the groundwater.

A year later, the situation regarding garbage management remains largely unchanged.

The historic city of Kapurthala, once a princely state adorned with magnificent monuments, is grappling with civic issues as summer arrives once again. One of its notable landmarks, Shalimar Bagh, has become a dumping ground, overshadowing its former glory of lush gardens and serene landscapes.

The city now faces a significant garbage crisis, with large piles of waste accumulating in various areas. Locations such as Shalimar Bagh, Professor Colony, Jalandhar Road, Sat Narayan Chowk, Amritsar Road, and Mall Road are among those suffering from the garbage problem.

Rajinder Raju, an activist and resident of Dr Sadoq Ali Street near the Old Sabzi Mandi, expressed his concerns: “Our area has three dumps, one near Shiv Colony and another near Bhagat Singh Chowk. The greatest issues arise when safai karamcharis go on strike. When garbage isn’t collected for days, it creates serious problems for us. Areas like Mall Road frequently experience garbage pile-ups.”

Raju further noted, “One of the key issues is that councillors tend to listen only to their respective MLAs and are increasingly unaccountable to the public. Councillors must be held responsible for the problems residents face. Even commissioners eventually defer to councillors to resolve issues.”

Kapurthala resident Gurmukh Singh added, “Unrestrained development coupled with civic chaos exacerbates the garbage issue. The once-beautiful Shalimar Bagh, which should be promoted and preserved as a tourist site, is now a garbage dump. Trolleys are parked there, and the area suffers from insanitation, with the administration failing to take action. Additionally, Mall Road, also known as Thandi Sarak, is plagued by illegal encroachments and constructions, with some vendors trashing the road without consequence.

The shortage of sanitation employees often leads to water leakage and contamination problems that persist for months. In areas with severe garbage issues, dirty dump residue mixes with water, posing a risk of disease.”

Kapurthala resident Gurmukh Singh said, “Unrestrained development coupled with civic chaos goes hand in hand with the garbage issue. The beautiful premises of Shalimar Bagh, which must be promoted and preserved as a tourist site, is the site of a garbage dump. Trolleys are parked there and insanitation prevails with the administration failing to act. Also the Mall road also known as Thandi Sarak is now the site of countless vends and illegal encroachers and constructions some of whom trash the road without any questions raised. Additionally, there is also a dearth of employees which often leads to water leakage or contamination problems for months. In areas with severe garbage problems, dirty dump residue mixes with water and come out in pump waters giving invitation to disease.”