Dumping site in Model Town to be Bhagat Singh Memorial soon

A site once infamous for its stench and filth will soon stand as a symbol of pride and patriotism. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Model Town has commenced construction of the Bhagat Singh Memorial at the location where a long-standing garbage dump was recently cleared following sustained public pressure and intervention by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

For years, residents of Model Town and Keval Vihar had protested against the garbage dumping near the cremation ground, citing serious health risks and environmental degradation. Despite the NGT’s directive to stop the dumping in September last year, the municipal authorities continued the practice until January. The JAC, led by Varinder Malik and Jaswinder Singh Sahni and other members, mounted a relentless campaign that finally forced the Municipal Corporation to shut the site just two months ago.

“We fought every step — held public meetings, moved legal petitions and engaged with officials. Now, to ensure this place is never turned into a dump again, we’ve decided to give it a new identity,” said JAC president Varinder Malik. “The construction of the Bhagat Singh Memorial has begun. It will cost around Rs 10 lakh and we aim to complete it within two months.”

On the decision to dedicate the memorial to Bhagat Singh, Malik said, “This isn’t just about beautification. It’s about instilling a sense of pride and awareness among the younger generation about the sacrifices made for this country.”

“The transformation wasn’t easy”, said Jaswinder Singh, adding that the Municipal Corporation initially asked them to withdraw their case from the NGT and declare in writing that the dumping issue was resolved. “Only after we complied, we were permitted to begin work,” he said.

Now, they have asked the civic body to include the memorial site in the Smart City Jalandhar beautification project. “We want proper maintenance of the surrounding areas, including the cremation ground wall and public washrooms. This site should reflect the dignity of the memorial we are building,” Singh added.

He further said through this memorial, they hope to send a powerful message — that a place once marked by neglect and filth can be transformed into a symbol of pride and purpose. What was once a dumping ground will now stand as a green and peaceful space that not only honours a revolutionary icon, but also reflects the strength of community spirit and civic determination.

Jalandhar