Ahmedgarh residents press for more garbage dumping sites

The residents of Ahmedgarh have been requesting the restoration of recreational parks, developed by converting garbage dumps eight years ago during the SAD government’s tenure, back to their original purpose. Frustrated by the inadequate solid waste management system, they sought the intervention of higher authorities on Monday, including CM Bhagwant Mann.

In a recent communiqué to the CM, the residents expressed their concerns, urging the government to either provide sufficient space for garbage disposal or revert the parks to garbage dumps. The letter emphasised that, for residents, daily garbage disposal was a necessity, whereas recreation and aesthetics were considered secondary services.

The issue dates back to 2016 when local authorities in Ahmedgarh, led by the then councillor Kittu Thapar, transformed land used as garbage dumps into recreational parks. The move faced strong opposition, with concerns raised over the lack of alternative space for waste disposal. The parks were developed on land outside the jurisdiction of Ahmedgarh, in Ludhiana district, raising questions about regulatory violations. At the time, both parks were presented as a boon for residents but the situation eventually worsened as garbage collection from households remained inconsistent, leading to escalating tensions in nearby localities.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Ahmedgarh Municipal Council (MC) and Dehliz Kalan Panchayat took a violent turn when villagers prevented civic body employees from dumping garbage at a plot rented by the council. The dispute escalated, leading to the booking of 17 individuals, including some unknown miscreants, for allegedly attacking an Aam Aadmi Party activist from Dehliz village. Activists from the Safai Mazdoor Union, led by Chaman Lal Dulla, called for the intervention of senior officials to ensure their safety and resolve the garbage-related issues.

In response to the ongoing problem, authorities indicated that they were working towards acquiring more suitable land for waste disposal, away from residential areas.