Rotten vegetables pile up at Ludhiana's wholesale market, pose health hazards

Ludhiana’s wholesale vegetable market presents a picture of utter neglect and civic failure. Piles of rotten tomatoes, onions and greens lie scattered across the ground, mixing with plastic bags, discarded crates and stagnant puddles of dirty water.

“The stench of decay hangs heavy in the air and attracts swarms of flies, posing a direct threat to public health. The market, meant to be a hub of trade and livelihood, has instead turned into a dumping ground,” said Satish, a visitor.

The absence of proper disposal systems and sanitation measures had created conditions ripe for disease outbreaks. Food waste left to rot in the open was not only a breeding ground for insects and rodents but also a source of contamination that could seep into nearby water supplies, said a vegetable wholesaler.

Experts warn that such negligence could lead to severe consequences. Gastrointestinal infections and vector-borne diseases could spread if immediate action was not taken. Beyond health hazards, the market’s filth undermines the city’s image and discourages trade, threatening the livelihood of farmers and vendors who depend on it.

“The situation demands urgent intervention. The authorities must enforce strict waste management protocols, ensure daily cleaning and provide designated disposal points. Without decisive action, Ludhiana’s wholesale market has become a symbol of civic apathy, “ said Gurvir Singh, a visitor.

Meena, a nearby resident, said the stench of rotten fruits and vegetables become unbearable and the situation worsens during the rainy season and it becomes impossible to pass from the stretch.

Market committee secretary Harinder Gill said garbage was lifted every day from the market. Sometimes it gets delayed due to huge piles of trash. “We regularly create awareness among vendors to dispose off vegetable and fruit waste at one spot rather than littering the entire place,” he said.