Tribune News Service
Harshraj Singh
Ludhiana 31 January
Environmental activists are concerned about the poor solid waste management system. The Municipal Corporation (MC), near Kakka village has failed to handle tonnes of garbage at the main dumpsite.
The garbage piles that look like mountains at the main dumpsite spread over 50 acres are polluting groundwater and soil. Air pollution is also caused by the inability to control the burning of waste.
Many people who live in villages and colonies near the main dumpsites that are located in the Sahnewal or Ludhiana (East), Assembly constituencies have been greatly affected by the accumulation of garbage.
Each day, the city produces 1,100 tonnes of garbage. For nearly a year, however, the waste processing facility has been unusable. A similar problem exists at the landfill site, where no concrete steps have been taken.
An environmental activist, Col (retd) CM Lakhanpal said, “The waste processing is not being ensured by the department concerned. The accumulation of garbage is a source of pollution. It is a major issue that needs to be resolved on priority basis.”
“The people of the areas near the main garbage dumpsite are being forced to suffer. The rules require that the proper waste management be done. We have demanded from political parties to release their green manifesto for the protection of the environment,” he added.
Jaskirat Singh of Narao Manch Punjab said, “It is a serious matter as no steps have been taken to deal with the waste at the main dumpsite. We demand that political parties clarify their position on the environment safety and solid waste management in the City. The waste processing must be ensured in right manner.”
A resident of Kakka village said, “The issue about MC’s main dump has been raised many times in the past. The problem has not been solved by the elected representatives. It is difficult to breathe because of the foul smell coming from the dumpsite. The situation gets worse during rainy days.”
