Punjab Newsline, Mohali-
Former Punjab Health Minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu has expressed deep concern over the lack of a proper dumping ground and waste processing unit in Mohali. He criticized the state government for its inaction and demanded the immediate allocation of a large plot for setting up a new dumping ground and processing plant to resolve the ongoing crisis faced by residents.
In a statement issued here, Sidhu said, "Today, not only Mohali but also the surrounding villages are grappling with severe garbage problems. The absence of a permanent dumping ground and processing plant has resulted in serious hardships for the people. With the onset of the rainy season, the risk of mosquito breeding has increased, raising the threat of diseases like dengue and malaria."
Sidhu further added, "Residents near the garbage processing plants at RMC Point in Phase-5 and Phase-11 are suffering due to unbearable stench and other related issues. The government should either shift these plants to a different location or set up a modern processing unit by acquiring land in the industrial area of Mohali, which can handle garbage efficiently and produce compost and other useful products."
Raising questions on GMADA and the state government, Sidhu remarked, "While GMADA is rapidly expanding Mohali by acquiring land, it has completely failed in the crucial task of waste management. In cities like Chandigarh, 100% of the waste is processed, but Mohali, despite being a major city of Punjab, lacks adequate facilities and continues to lag behind."
Sidhu also called for a complete ban on plastic, stating, "To tackle the waste crisis effectively, it is imperative to impose a total ban on plastic. The AAP government must take strict action against factories illegally manufacturing plastic to ensure proper enforcement of the ban and promote eco-friendly alternatives."
He pointed out that even the Municipal Corporation has been opposing garbage dumping in Phase-5 and Phase-11, yet the government has failed to make any concrete arrangements so far.
Sidhu urged the AAP government to set up a waste processing unit in or near the industrial area of Mohali at the earliest and allocate the necessary funds for this purpose. He appealed to the Chief Minister to take immediate action to address this issue and start the construction of the new unit without further delay.