Garbage disposal a cause for concern in Malerkotla district

Disposal of garbage in urban local bodies at Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh and Amargarh subdivisions of the district has become a cause for concern.

Besides non-segregation of waste at the doorstep, lack of adequate dumping space and resistance by residents near dump yards have interrupted smooth functioning of sanitation wing.

Residents, including owners of commercial establishments, constituents of educational, religious and public dealing offices remained worst sufferers as none of the elected councillors have ever bothered to lodge a complaint against those who had been stopping the staff from dumping waste at dump yards.

Showing concern over the poor state of affairs, Amargarh and Malerkotla legislators have sought intervention of higher functionaries, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Local Bodies Minister Ravjot Singh in strengthening waste management system in their respective segments.

Amargarh MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjanmanjra said, “Though we have already initiated process for strengthening paraphernalia required for efficient disposal of solid waste, we have sought assistance of the Chief Minister and the Local Bodies Minister in purchasing land to establish dumps on outskirts of the towns falling under the Amargarh segment.”

Despite tall claims being made by the Centre and the Local Bodies Department, solid waste management remains the biggest impediment in provision of basic amenities required for a dignified life in localities falling under Malerkotla district.

The authorities have also failed to sensitise residents about the need of segregating garbage before handing it over to sweepers collecting the litter.

The residents alleged that the situation of solid waste management had worsened in the past few years. “We fail to understand why the authorities don’t seek police help when the residents stop shifting of garbage to dump yards at certain villages,” rued a local.

Ahmedgarh Municipal Council president alleged that a few years ago, eight bighas of land meant to dump garbage was converted into a park without making any alternative arrangement.

“We have sufficient space at Dehliz Kalan village but political opponents of the owner of the plot leave no stone unturned from stopping sanitation teams from dumping garbage,” said the MC chief, adding that they had already initiated the process to lease another plot.

Malerkotla MLA Zamil Ur Rehman had launched a project to undertake segregation of solid waste at dump yards near the bus stand and Matoi village, which has failed to yield the desired results.