Light rain followed by humid weather on Monday worsened sanitation conditions in the city even as thousands of tonnes of garbage remained piled up at several locations due to the ongoing strike of sanitation workers.
A 5-7 mm rain led to waterlogging around garbage dumps in several areas with residents complaining of foul smell from the heaps of waste.
Over eight major dumping points across the city are currently overflowing with garbage. In some areas, residents were seen covering their noses as they passed by the dumping sites.
The statewide strike by the sanitation workers, which has already disrupted door-to-door waste collection services, has now been extended till May 14. With the Chief Minister scheduled to visit Sirsa on May 15, the administration is reportedly preparing for a large-scale cleanliness drive, especially along Barnala Road.
The Municipal Council has already appointed two duty magistrates for monitoring the situation. Sources said the administration may launch a sudden special cleaning campaign to clear garbage from sensitive areas. Officials are also believed to be considering strict measures if required, including possible detention of the protesting workers.
Earlier this week, the Municipal Council had conducted a special drive under the supervision of the duty magistrates and lifted nearly 200 tonnes of garbage from eight dumping points across the city. During the operation, 14 employees were reportedly taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the sanitation workers have started reaching out to residents to explain the reasons behind the strike. Union members said their intention was not to inconvenience the public but to press for their demands, which were pending since 2018. They claimed that if their demands are accepted, the workers would restore cleanliness in the city within 24 hours by working round the clock.
Meanwhile, the situation across the district has deteriorated. According to estimates, around 1,350 tonnes of garbage has accumulated in Sirsa city, 400 tonnes in Rania, 760 tonnes in Ellenabad, 550 tonnes in Kalanwali and nearly 880 tonnes in Dabwali.
Confirming that the strike had been extended till May 14, Municipal Council chief sanitary officer Jaiveer Singh said further action would depend on administrative orders.
Sanitation Workers’ Union president Manoj Athwal warned that any attempt to forcibly lift garbage would be opposed. He said the agitation would continue and special monitoring teams had been formed by the union across the city.
