Riverbanks choked with garbage after Chhath, admn fails to act

The banks of the Sutlej and Sidhwan Canal, once filled with devotion and festivity during the Chhath Puja, now lie strewn with garbage, burnt offerings and smouldering waste — a grim aftermath that refuses to fade. Despite repeated appeals and warnings, the scene remains unchanged from last year, raising serious concerns about environmental neglect and administrative apathy.

Plastic bags, food waste, disposable plates, and ritual leftovers litter the shoreline, with some heaps still smouldering from onsite burning. Poles that once held festive tents now stand abandoned, a silent reminder of the celebration’s messy aftermath. Banana leaves used during rituals now lie scattered along the riverbank, adding to the post-Chhath clutter and untreated waste.

In several spots, even biodegradable offerings were set ablaze, releasing toxic fumes into the already polluted air. The water itself appears murky and contaminated, with visible debris floating across its surface.

“It is not just post-festival waste but a recurring environmental hazard,” said Kapil Arora, member of the Public Action Committee (PAC). “Last year, we raised the issue, and this year we’re filing a fresh complaint with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Such practices should not be allowed. They directly contribute to water pollution and threaten aquatic life.”

Arora emphasised the need for structural solutions. “Artificial water bodies should be created for rituals. It’s high time the administration took the matter seriously. Chhath is a beautiful tradition but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our rivers.”

Environmentalists echo the concern. Dr Davinder, an ecologist and researcher, said: “The burning of waste on riverbanks releases harmful particulate matter and chemicals. Disposable plates and plastic waste add to the toxicity. It’s a health hazard. The authorities must enforce stricter waste management protocols during festivals.”

The activists allege that civic bodies remain soft on enforcement, fearing backlash or logistical hurdles. “There’s a pattern of looking the other way,” Arora said.

“But pollution doesn’t wait for permission, it spreads,” he added.

The PAC has urged the authorities concerned to conduct a post-festival audit and penalise violators. They also recommend deploying volunteers and sanitation teams during major festivals to ensure timely clean-up.

“It’s heartbreaking to see our rivers treated like dumping grounds year after year. The authorities know what’s happening, but they choose to shut their eyes instead of enforcing rules,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local resident and shopkeeper near Sidhwan Canal.

As the smoke rises from the riverbanks, so do questions about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship, he added.

Responsible bodies to be issued notices

Aakash Aggarwal, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, said a cleanliness drive was currently underway and all garbage along the Sidhwan Canal side was expected to be cleared by the weekend. On the issue of penalising those responsible for polluting the water bodies, he said notices would be issued to organisations that held events and left behind waste. Nine days’ time would be given to them to respond to the notices. However, when questioned about the absence of on-the-spot challans, Aggarwal cited excessive crowding on the day of events and expressed concern about potentially hurting religious sentiments.

Depts should work in unison: PPCB official

Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chief Engineer Raj Kumar Ratra said: “We cannot fix the responsibility on one department, at least three or more departments such as PPCB, Irrigation and Municipal Corporation must work in unison for fruitful results. NGOs should also be involved to make the people aware and volunteers can be present on the spot to guide visitors.”