Ahead of Diwali, garbage on roadsides presents a dirty picture

With the festival of lights approaching, residents have begun cleaning their homes and business establishments to celebrate the festivities. However, several areas of the city present a miserable picture, with piles of garbage lying unattended by the roadsides, which raises questions on the efficiency of sanitation staff.

Right opposite the posh locality on the main Rani Jhansi Road, near Khalsa College for Women, a small public park has turned into a garbage dump. Illegal rehris are stationed there regularly and leftover food disposable plates and cups are being dumped. Local residents alleged that for the past four days, garbage has not been lifted by safai sewaks, despite repeated complaints.

Komal, a student of Khalsa College for Women, said the park had turned into an eyesore. “Students usually wait there for their family members after college, but half of the park area is filled with garbage while the other half is used for parking vehicles. Both Khalsa College for Women and GGNIMT College have ample parking on their premises — so why allow vehicles outside? On top of it, rehris add to the chaos and traffic snarls,” she said.

A rehri vendor admitted that garbage had been lying there for several days. “Usually it is lifted within a day, but this time, it has been around five days and no one has come to clean the area,” he said.

Similar scenes were witnessed at Bhadaur House, opposite AC Market, where heaps of garbage and dry leaves remain unattended. A shopkeeper dealing in readymade garments said: “The market sees heavy footfall during the festive season but garbage lying unattended for days presents a shabby look. At least during festivals, the authorities should ensure regular cleaning.”