New Amritsar residents worried over poor sanitation, state of hygiene

The residents of New Amritsar have voiced serious concern over the worsening state of sanitation and cleanliness in their locality. Despite being a well-developed area, residents allege that irregular garbage collection, absence of designated sanitation staff and unchecked burning of waste are making living conditions increasingly unbearable. The main grievance of the residents revolves around the absence of permanent sanitation workers deployed by the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT). Due to this, private sweepers, engaged personally by residents, are the only ones maintaining cleanliness though in a limited area. However, even their efforts fall short due to the volume of waste generated and the lack of support by civic body.

Simarjeet Vansal, a local resident, highlighted these issues, “There is currently no dedicated sweeper assigned to this area. Private sweepers only cover areas where residents pay for the service. We request for the assigning of municipal sweepers, especially for the internal street stretch from B-411 to B-425 and around the park. Garbage collection is irregular and spraying to contain the mosquito menace is needed urgently. Also, the accumulation of dry leaves must be cleared regularly.”

Other residents echoed similar concerns. PN Sharma criticised the state government’s oversight. “This colony is highly ignored by the AAP government. No department is discharging its duty properly. Heaps of garbage are visible all around, and the irregular clearance of domestic waste is a major issue. What is worse is the illegal burning of garbage mixed with polythene, releasing toxic gases that are hazardous to health.”

Priya Prinja added that B-Block is slowly “turning into a dump yard” due to the foul smell, growing mosquito menace and unmanaged piles of waste.

Maninder Singh, a local resident, said, “New Amritsar is among the well developed localities in city, but there is no regular sweeping or lifting of waste. That’s why dried leaves are simply burnt, contributing to pollution.”

Residents have urged Mayor Jeevan Jyot Kaur and AIT Chairman Karamjit Singh Rintu to visit the area and inspect the conditions first-hand. Using hashtags like #NewAmritsar and #cleaning on social media, they are seeking urgent intervention.

Amritsar