Town struggles with sanitation despite cleanliness award

Residents of Mullanpur Dakha, a town located along the Ludhiana-Ferozepur highway, are facing numerous challenges, including poor sanitation, rampant encroachments, severe traffic congestion, dilapidated roads and inadequate infrastructure.

Despite being awarded the title of the cleanest town in North India under the Swachh Bharat Mission last June, the reality for the town’s residents is much grimmer. The town, which had won the honour in the 15,000-25,000 population category, has seen a decline in its cleanliness and overall living conditions in recent months.

The award, received by the then Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik on behalf of Mullanpur Dakha Nagar Council at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu. However, a recent survey paints a stark contrast to the accolades received earlier.

As one enters the town from Ludhiana, they are met with a massive, stinking garbage dump located in front of the Food Corporation of India’s office near Gurmat Bhawan. Heaps of garbage, rising as high as 300 meters, have become a prominent eyesore. Residents have also reported that sanitation staff sometimes set this garbage on fire, worsening the pollution levels. Another significant dump is situated opposite Deol Hospital on Ferozepur road, a longstanding problem that continues to plague the town.

In summary, Mullanpur Dakha, once celebrated for its cleanliness, is now facing a series of growing challenges that threaten to undermine its development and quality of life for its residents.