Garbage lifting from dumping sites not satisafctory: Mayor

LUDHIANA: After seeing the mess at secondary garbage collection points at various locations across the city, mayor Balkar Sandhu has asked the officials of health department to step out of their offices and ensure proper garbage lifting from the dumping sites. Ahead of festive season, the mayor checked at least 30 garbage dumping sites from where A to Z Waste Management Limited is lifting the garbage and he did not find the work to be satisfactory. When asked about the issue, the company representatives blamed the MC employees for throwing debris and other waste at the secondary points which in turn makes it difficult for them to clear the dumping sites.

Recently, MC commissioner K P Brar had issued directions to the employees from various branches to not throw debris and other types of garbage on secondary collection points. But, on Saturday while conducting checks, the mayor found that debris and construction waste was still being accumulated on the secondary garbage collection points. The mayor has now decided to conduct a meeting with commissioner as well over this issue.

There are around 60 secondary garbage collection points where informal garbage collectors throw garbage after collecting it from households and commercial areas. The mayor visited some of the sites where garbage was scattered on the road as well. He demanded reason behind the delay in clearing of garbage from roadsides and other points. The company officials in their reply said in order to prevent the garbage from spilling over on the roads, it should be ensued that the garbage collection points be covered.

However, the mayor said, “I have checked the sites randomly and did not find the garbage lifting to be satisfactory. While the company is responsible for lifting of garbage, the MC officials of health department are equally responsible for the same.” He said he has asked the officials to visit the areas and ensure garbage is being lifted properly as with the festive season nearing, the quantity of garbage will simply increase. He said he has given time to the company till Wednesday for clearing the garbage dumps and then increase the pace of garbage collection so that it does not become a eyesore for public.