Even as the strike by safai karamcharis’ entered its fifth consecutive day in Phagwara on Friday, residents of several localities continued to suffer due to mounting garbage and deteriorating sanitation conditions across the city.
A major garbage dump located outside the gaushala near the entry chowk connecting Mehli Gate with Professor Colony and Guru Harkrishan Nagar has once again made life miserable for residents and commuters. Owing to the indefinite strike by Municipal Corporation employees, garbage has not been lifted from the site for the past several days, resulting in foul smell and unhygienic conditions in the area.
Local residents and passers-by said that the dump is situated close to a Shiv Mandir, Gurdwara Sahib and Virender Park, where hundreds of devotees and morning-evening walkers gather daily. However, the unbearable stench emanating from the accumulated garbage throughout the day and night has made it difficult for people even to pass through the area. Residents alleged that the situation has become so severe that crossing the spot without covering one’s nose has become nearly impossible.
Area residents pointed out that the issue is not new and resurfaces during every election, when political leaders make tall promises regarding permanent removal of the dump. However, they alleged that no concrete action is taken once elections are over.
The matter had even reached the district court around two years ago. During a hearing on a PIL filed by social activist Sanjeev Ghai, the District Lok Adalat in July 2024 had directed the Municipal Corporation to permanently remove the dump and submit a compliance report after ensuring proper cleaning of the site. Residents alleged that despite the court directions, no effective action has been taken till date.
Social activist Sanjeev Ghai Lucky and Parshu Ram strongly demanded that the Municipal Corporation immediately clear the garbage from the dump and make permanent arrangements for daily sanitation in the locality. They warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, area residents would be compelled to launch a major agitation.
