Taking cognizance of a complaint filed by Sumit Kalia, a resident of Ambika Colony here, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has urged the Municipal Corporation (MC) to address the concerns of a massive garbage dump on Vikaspuri Tanda Road.

Residents from Vikaspuri, New Vikaspuri, Ambika Colony, Guru Ram Dass Nagar and Santokh Pura Navi Abadi, in their complaint, have highlighted that they have been grappling with the hazardous conditions caused by the dump, which has been triggering protests in the area as well.

They said they had been demanding the relocation of the dump to a non-residential area, citing health and safety concerns, however, nothing had happened, thus, they were forced to take their complaint to the PPCB and the NGT.

Addressing the grievance, the PPCB wrote to the Municipal Commissioner, emphasising the need for immediate action in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016.

In a letter forwarded to the MC Commissioner, the PPCB Environmental Engineer highlighted that the matter fell under the MC’s jurisdiction. The Commissioner had been urged to appoint an officer to take steps to resolve the issue.

“The dump at the entrance of our localities not only gives a terrible first impression, but also pollutes the environment and endangers health,” said one of the residents. He added that the site attracted stray animals and ragpickers, leading to traffic congestion and further endangering public safety.

Residents claimed that the dump had overtaken a significant portion of the road, with garbage spilling onto the main road. The health risks posed by the unsanitary conditions have left residents frustrated.

“The PPCB’s intervention has brought the renewed hope to us and we are now looking to the Municipal Corporation for prompt resolution of this long-standing issue”, the residents said.