Local bodies minister Ravjot Singh slams Patiala MC over poor sanitation; warns of stern action

Local Bodies Minister Ravjot Singh on Wednesday expressed displeasure over the poor state of sanitation in Patiala, warning civic officials of strict action if immediate steps were not taken.

During a surprise inspection of various garbage collection points in the city, the minister said he was disappointed at the bad state of cleanliness.

He was accompanied by Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairperson Reena Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Paramvir Singh and Mayor Kundan Gogia.

“The condition is very bad—there is too much garbage all around,” Singh said. “I am really disappointed. Patiala is a historical city and I expected better. Unfortunately, the situation is deplorable. Even small municipal committees are doing a better job.”

The minister pulled up the municipal staff and questioned the MC Commissioner and mayor over the lack of sanitation. He said if the situation did not improve soon, stringent action would follow.

“This is the monsoon season. Heaps of garbage and poor sanitation can lead to diseases,” he cautioned.

Singh said he would return to the city soon for a follow-up and take feedback from locals.

The civic authorities have come under scrutiny following the diarrhoea outbreak in the region. At Alipur Araian, four people have died and over 100 fallen ill due to diarrhoea. One person has died and 20 have taken ill at Changera village near Banur.