Improper disposal of civic waste adds to residents’ woes

The lack of cleanliness and improper management of civic waste is leading to various problems for Palwal residents.

Sources in the local administration claim that several lakh rupees are spent every month on sanitation work in the city, which has a population of around four lakh.

However, dumping of garbage in the open and failure to swiftly remove it and transfer to the designated spots for the final discarding point, results in filthy civic conditions.

Around 100-tonne waste generated everyday needs to be immediately removed to the transfer stations and the final disposal spots. But heaps of garbage can be seen dumped on roadsides or on open plots in both residential and commercial localities, resulting in poor civic conditions.

Garbage dumped on roadsides

Heaps of garbage can be seen dumped on roadsides or on open plots in both residential and commercial localities, resulting in poor civic conditions

The foul smell emanating from the waste-dumping spots has become a major concern for passers-by

“While waste dumping-cum processing yards have been set up at two points in the district, the existing machinery or infrastructure provided hasn’t been able to meet the requisite waste disposal or recycling needs as per the environmental norms set by National Green Tribunal,” said a city resident Mahender Singh Chauhan.

He asserted that lifting and segregation of civic waste in a desired manner had been a cause of concern in Palwal.

“Failure to remove garbage in a proper manner also leads to clogging of drains and sewage lines as the waste finds its way into the network meant to carry stormwater,” said another resident, Kulvir.

The foul smell emanating from the waste-dumping spots has become a major concern for passers-by.

A former MLA, Karan Singh Dalal, alleged that mismanagement had led to the persistence of the sanitation crisis, which is adversely affecting the common man. “The lack of proper machinery, staff and issue of payments are perhaps the key factors behind the problem,” he claimed.

ADC Akhil Pilani, holding the charge of the District Municipal Commissioner, said while waste was being disposed and processed at the selected sites, efforts were on to streamline the collection and disposal of waste at markets and other public places.

Sunil Kumar Ranga, Executive Officer, MC, said 100 tonnes of waste was being processed at the main dumping site near Ferozepur village. “The civic body imposes a penalty on the agency if waste is not removed regularly from the temporary sites or public spots,” he added.