PHAGWARA: The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Welfare Society has urged the Phagwara Municipal Corporation to immediately remove the temporary garbage dump located outside Varindra Park near Mehli Gate. The society argues that the dump has become a major nuisance for local residents.
During a discussion today, Society Chairman Rajiv Chahal Raju, President Shiv Sharma, and other office-bearers highlighted that the garbage dump is causing significant distress to residents of nearby areas, including Varindra Nagar, Guru Harkrishan Nagar, and Professor Colony. The dump is located adjacent to Varindra Park, and in close proximity to a temple, a gaushala, and a gurdwara. Visitors to these religious places, as well as people using the park for walks and exercise, are forced to endure foul air and unhygienic conditions.
Raju Chahal criticized municipal officials and newly elected councilors, stating that while they frequently appeal to citizens to contribute to the city’s cleanliness, the presence of temporary garbage dumps in residential areas suggests that the corporation itself is failing to take the lead in maintaining hygiene. "If the corporation itself is incapable of managing cleanliness, how can it expect cooperation from the general public?" he questioned.
Notably, the issue of this garbage dump is already under consideration in the district court. The honorable court had directed the municipal corporation months ago to clear the dump and submit a report, but the situation remains unchanged.
On the other hand, Mayor Rampal Uppal and municipal officials argue that there is no designated site available to accommodate the large volume of waste generated by the city. However, experts believe that the Phagwara Municipal Corporation, which operates with a substantial budget, can seek additional grants from the Punjab government and funds from the central government under cleanliness initiatives. They assert that the corporation must take responsibility for setting up a large-scale waste collection site and a recycling plant to address the problem effectively.
Prominent society members present at the discussion included General Secretary Jaswinder Saba, Senior Vice President Rahul Singh Sherry, Treasurer Honey Bheem, Secretary Rahul Karwal, and members Balram Sharma, Rajinder Sharma Jind, Gaurav Bagga, Vishu Aeri, Deepu, Arjun, Raman, Pradeep Sharma, Vinayak, and Amarjit Amba.