Garbage crisis plagues Samrala

In Samrala, permanent heaps of garbage, dumped in areas frequently visited by residents, have become not only an eyesore but also a major source of diseases and infections. While residents are frustrated by the constant garbage they encounter daily, municipal authorities seem unable to provide a permanent solution for the same.

It has become almost a routine activity observing the same situation time and again. “The same garbage heaps, which we have reported to the council hundreds of times, continue to plague the residents and visitors. Yet, no lasting solution has been implemented. We have now become used to this garbage and foul smell. When the media covers the issue, the council briefly takes action, but only for a day or two. After that, things return to the same sorry state. We fail to understand that the council is just supposed to work only when reminded of their duty or they owe any moral responsibility towards the people as well,” the residents contend.

Hardeep Kaur, a Samrala resident, lamented, “It has been years, and but now the situation has gone out of control as we are unable to breathe in such dingy conditions. There are several areas where garbage piles remain visible, but the cleaning only happens based on the whims of the council employees. The garbage on Khanna Road, Chawa Road, Behlolpur Road and even Chandigarh Road stays for days on end.”

“The timings of lifting of garbage too are very strange. It is usually done when we are passing by — around nine o’clock or later. What is the point of cleaning up after thousands have crossed that virtual hell? It feels like cleanliness has taken a backseat in this town and no one is seriously concerned about it. Timely lifting is just a momentary relief,” added another resident.

Balvir Singh Gill, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Samrala, said, “Though the garbage is lifted as a matter of routine but the moment the place is cleaned, garbage accumulates again. Secondary dumps are cleared by 10 am, but starting next week, we plan to complete the lifting process by 9 am. The residents also need to adopt better civic habits so that the garbage they create does not become a nuisance for them.”

Punjab