Unified approach required for cleaner city

Collective efforts needed

Advertisement

Ludhiana is facing the big problem regarding piles of garbage, and it may become the next Delhi in this context. The local government must take care of proper waste disposal, recycling and emphasise the importance of cleanliness. It should encourage community participation in cleanliness drives, implement and enforce laws against littering, illegal dumping and improper waste disposal, and penalise individuals or businesses that violate waste management regulations. The government should also build and maintain waste processing plants, landfills and composting facilities, while ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous and electronic waste. Regular monitoring of waste management systems should be done to address deficiences. Officials must be held accountable for lapses in cleanliness and waste management. Municipal corporations or local governing bodies typically bear the primary responsibility for waste management and maintaining cleanliness in urban areas. Residents can use apps or helplines provided by the corporation for complaints. Joining or supporting NGOs and community groups working on cleanliness and waste management is also essential. Advocating better waste management policies and infrastructure, planting trees and maintaining green spaces will help improve the environment and reduce pollution. People must demand transparency and action from local governments regarding waste management. Farzana Khan

Residents, businesses must act responsibly

Both the Municipal Corporation (MCL) and citizens play key roles in keeping the city clean. The MCL must ensure regular garbage collection, install more dustbins in public places and strictly fine those who litter. Proper waste management systems, such as recycling and composting, should be promoted. Cleanliness drives should be conducted regularly to maintain hygiene. Citizens must also act responsibly by disposing of waste properly, segregating dry and wet waste, and avoiding the use of plastic. Schools and community groups should spread awareness about cleanliness and hygiene. Local businesses should ensure waste disposal in designated areas. Public participation in cleanliness campaigns like ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ can make a big difference. When both authorities and citizens work together, we can turn our city into a cleaner and healthier place to live. Small efforts by everyone will lead to a big change! Prabhjot Singh

Strict monitoring required

To tackle the growing problem of garbage accumulation, both the Municipal Corporation (MC) and residents must actively participate in the matter. The MC holds the primary responsibility of ensuring timely waste collection from all residential, commercial and industrial areas. Implementing efficient waste management systems that include segregation, recycling and composting is essential. Additionally, regular maintenance of public bins, timely cleaning of dumping sites and promoting recycling units can further improve waste management. Strict monitoring and imposing fines on those who litter or dump waste illegally can deter irresponsible behaviour. On the other hand, citizens play an equally important role. Practicing waste segregation at the source, using designated waste bins, and reducing the use of non-recyclable materials are crucial steps. Participating in community cleanliness drives and reporting illegal dumping to authorities also contribute to a cleaner environment. Schools, colleges and local organisations can collaborate with the MC to conduct cleanliness campaigns. Ultimately, a cleaner city is a collective responsibility that requires commitment, cooperation and consistent efforts from both authorities and citizens. Parmeet Kaur

Ensure regular collection of garbage

The presence of large garbage piles in a city is a significant public health and environmental issue. Municipal corporations or local governing bodies typically hold the primary responsibility for waste management and maintaining cleanliness in urban areas. Here are the key responsibilities they hold and steps that can be taken to clean the city:

The corporation must ensure regular collection of garbage from households, commercial establishments, and public spaces, and it should provide adequate waste bins and collection points across the city. It should promote and enforce waste segregation at the source like separating organic, recyclable and non-recyclable waste. It must establish recycling facilities and encourage the reuse of materials. Streets, public spaces, and drainage systems should be regularly cleaned. The corporation must employ sanitation workers and provide them with proper equipment and safety gear.

It must conduct campaigns to educate citizens, and citizen participation must be ensured to keep the city clean. Citizens should dispose of waste responsibly and use designated bins. They should segregate waste at home and compost organic waste if possible. Participating in community clean-up drives is also important.

Minimising waste generation by avoiding single-use plastics and opting for reusable products is essential. Donating or recycling items instead of throwing them away also helps. Citizens must assist the local government in making the city clean and green. Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Designate sites for garbage dumping

Garbage piles are found at many places in the city, which give a very shabby look to the smart city of Ludhiana. The Municipal Corporation has the responsibility to keep the city clean and tidy. The presence of garbage here and there directly reflects on the corporation’s way of working and the upkeep of the city. Garbage is thrown at various places in the city by sweepers who collect the garbage from different houses. All sweepers must be warned against this practice. The corporation must designate vacant sites in different localities where the sweepers can dump the garbage they collect from houses. The corporation must remove this garbage periodically and in bulk for disposal or preparation of compost. As per current instructions, house owners keep two containers — one for decomposable waste and the other for waste like plastic and paper. However, the sweepers, while collecting the garbage, often mix everything together in one bag to carry it to their cart outside the house gate. Sweepers must be instructed against this practice and should not be allowed to do so. The corporation staff must monitor how sweepers transport the garbage from houses to their carts. Additionally, all households should be instructed to keep an eye on the workers to prevent this practice. Defaulter sweepers must be penalised. Gautam Dev

Positive steps need of the hour

It has become increasingly common to witness massive garbage piles scattered throughout the city. Both MCL and residents must step forward and take proactive action to address this growing issue. Imposing fines for cleanliness may breed resentment, while recognition and positive reinforcement can inspire lasting change. Acknowledging cities or neighbourhoods for their cleanliness through awards like ‘Clean Zones,’ ‘Green Leaders,’ ‘Clean City, Green City,’ or ‘Zero Waste Area,’ or public praise, motivates citizens to take pride in their environment. This can foster a sense of collective responsibility, encouraging sustainable practices and creating a more eco-conscious, harmonious community. A comprehensive waste segregation system leveraging technology is crucial. This tech-enabled approach enhances efficiency, fosters civic engagement and promotes a cleaner, more sustainable environment. The MCL should implement straightforward, efficient waste management solutions, as citizens often resist complex procedures. Simplified systems, clear directives and optimised schedules will encourage greater engagement and foster a cleaner, more sustainable city. When citizens embrace the mindset of treating society like their own home, it can have a transformative impact on the cleanliness and overall health of the city. By modelling conscientious habits, parents instil the values of cleanliness and sustainability, fostering a cleaner, more eco-conscious community for future generations. Citizens should adopt conscientious practices, such as diligently using designated bins, effectively sorting waste and disposing of it responsibly, instead of assuming the garbage collector will handle the sorting. It is vital to shift the mindset and cultivate a sense of empathy and accountability toward both the community and the environment, recognising that every individual contributes significantly to maintaining cleanliness, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Manmeen Kaur

Establish effective disposal system

Large garbage piles are becoming a common sight in our city, tarnishing the urban landscape and posing significant environmental risks. Unaware that accumulation and littering of garbage can prove disastrous for a healthy environment, people continue to dump garbage in the open and pollute their surroundings. On the other hand, the MCL, which holds a key role in waste management, occasionally fails to handle garbage accumulation effectively. The MCL must understand that, in addition to cleaning streets regularly, it is their responsibility to establish an effective garbage collection and disposal system in the city. It must also promote recycling, reduce landfill use and implement stricter regulations on waste management. Citizens can also play a pivotal role in keeping the city clean. They must segregate their waste into dry, wet and hazardous categories, ensuring that the garbage is not mixed and dumped in the open. By fostering a culture of responsible waste management, we can alleviate the detrimental impacts of open dumping and strive for a healthier environment for everyone. Novin Christopher

NGT guidelines should be followed

Improper disposal of solid waste can lead to the pollution of the environment and to outbreak of vector-borne diseases. Ludhiana city generates 1,100 MT of dry and wet waste per day and only 49 per cent of it is treated. Political neglect and public attitude are the main reasons for the worse state of affairs for solid waste management of the city. Last year, the NGT had expressed concern over large amounts of legacy waste that had accumulated at the Tajpur road dumpsite because the civic body had failed to ensure proper waste processing. However, the things did not improve and the NGT imposed a fine on the state government for failing to take concrete steps in the matter. The MC should ensure complete door-to-door garbage collection. More portable compactors should be installed to separate and manage waste. Litterers should face penalties and dustbins should be placed in busy markets. Rag-pickers should be given tips on efficient collection and segregation of waste. Community toilets should be kept clean. The NGT guidelines should be followed in true letter and spirit. RS Sembhi

Vacant plots becoming dumping sites

The vacant sites and plots in the city are the most readily available options for residents and even MC contractual safai karamcharis to dispose of garbage. Since there are no heavy fines or stern actions taken against those found guilty, the practice continues unabated, making the city dirtier. We need to be responsible enough not to throw garbage and waste in open plots. Shiv Puri

Take Strict action against violators

Ludhiana is termed the “Manchester of India,” but when someone comes from another state or part of the world, they are shocked to see the condition of the city. Garbage is scattered everywhere - on the roads, under bridges, near the railway station and the bus stand. This creates a bad image of the city, and we need to make it neat and clean. People not only throw garbage but also spit here and there, making it even worse. Stern action must be taken against the offenders so that they do not repeat their behaviour and continue to make the city unclean. Puja Pathak