Panel seeks report from Sangrur MC over poor waste disposal

The Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the Municipal Council, Sangrur, after taking suo motu cognisance of The Tribune report on poor waste management, published on Thursday.

“The commission takes suo motu cognisance in the matter and calls for reports from the Executive Officer (EO), Municipal Council, Sangrur, a week before the next date of hearing,” read the order of the commission, passed by chairman Justice Sant Prakash and member Justice Gurbir Singh.

The order further read, “The commission has perused the news items —'Poor waste management puts Sangrur residents at health risk as garbage set afire' —published in the leading daily newspaper, indicating that improper garbage disposal and frequent fires at dumping sites have become a major concern for residents who are exposed to various health risks. Residents claim that the municipal authorities are not lifting garbage regularly.”

​The Tribune report had highlighted that despite repeated complaints by residents to the municipal authorities, garbage was not being lifted properly. The report also highlighted that the burning of garbage was leading to breathing difficulties among elderly citizens and those with respiratory problems.