No sweepers, mounting waste: Residents of SBS Nagar raise alarm over health hazards

In Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar, Pakhowal Road — part of the 475-acre Improvement Trust Scheme (Ward No. 56) — residents are battling more than just garbage.

Residents complain that as no sweepers have been deployed for over six months, the area is sinking into filth, creating frustration and spreading fear. Despite repeated complaints, including one submitted earlier this month to Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) Chairman TS Bhinder, the situation remains unchanged, and the threat of disease looms large.

“Not a single sweeper has been seen in our locality for months,” said Yogesh Sharma, a social activist and resident of Block G. “We’ve been cleaning our surroundings ourselves because no one from the authorities concerned has shown up to clean the area,” he said.

His complaint highlights not only the absence of sanitation workers, but also lack of transparency. “We were told that a contract has already been awarded, but we’ve seen no one on the ground. We want to know who the contractor is and how many sanitation workers are actually appointed for our area,” he said.

When contacted, LIT Chairman TS Bhinder confirmed that a second warning was issued to the contractor. “We’ve asked him to start work immediately, failing which strict action will be taken against him,” Bhinder said.

Meanwhile, residents say piled up garbage attracts mosquitoes, flies, and stray animals, turning streets into breeding grounds for disease. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with rising cases of skin infections and respiratory issues being reported informally.

“It’s not just about cleanliness anymore — it’s about survival,” said Pooja, an area resident. “We’re scared to let our children play outside. The stench is unbearable, and the fear of dengue is real,” she said.

Residents allege that despite multiple verbal and written complaints, no concrete step was taken by the authorities concerned to lift garbage clean the area. Overflowing bins, scattered waste along roads have become a commons sight.

“We feel abandoned. Is this what civic responsibility looks like?” said KK Khanna, another area resident. The absence of basic sanitation services in a planned urban scheme raises serious questions about accountability and governance. Residents are now demanding immediate intervention, public disclosure of contractor details, and regular deployment of Safai Karamcharis.

As Ludhiana prepares to celebrate Independence Day, residents of SBS Nagar are asking for freedom from filth. “Our message is clear. Clean streets are not a privilege — they are a right,” said Yogesh Sharma.