Epidemic fear looms large as garbage heaps pile up in Gurdaspur

If remedial measures are not taken immediately to improve the garbage collection facilities in Gurdaspur, a health epidemic will soon grip the city. As per the latest report of the ‘Swachh Suvekshan’, the city stands at an abysmally low position at 806 in the national rankings, whereas in the state, it has slipped to 166th position from last year’s 144th.

It has left a lot of red faces in the district administration and the local municipal committee (MC).

With rain spells lashing the town, residents fear a major health hazard. Temporary garbage dumps are becoming a breeding grounds for zoonotic disease due to interaction of humans, animals and waste.

Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh says the genesis of the malady lies in the fact that the city has no dumping ground. This may sound shocking, but it is true. This is the prime reason why the city’s roads are littered with garbage. These days, the MC thinks it prudent to collect the garbage from the inner city and dump it on the road leading to the Pathankot highway adjacent to the PAU regional station and in front of the BNSL office.

It has become impossible for commuters to use that stretch without covering their face with a piece of cloth. Actually, commuters have now stopped using that road and instead take a detour.

“We are identifying a piece of land where we can dispose of the trash. We have shortlisted two sites, one in Kalanaur, 24 km from here, and the other on the outskirts of the city. Our requirement is two to three acres of land. Hopefully, we will finalise one of them soon,” said the DC.

The DC said he had also asked the ADC (General) to scout for a proper site. The ADC has asked for a week’s time.

Till a site is finalised, residents will have to bear with the stink and stench.

Health experts warn that poor waste management can spark the spread of disease. This is because garbage can attract disease-carrying vectors like rodents and insects and contaminated water sources can lead to waterborne disease.

In the latest rankings, the issues of cleanliness of public toilets and cleanliness of water bodies are given a red-flag.

Earlier, the garbage used to be taken to Maan Chopra village. However, due to some technical issues coupled with protests of residents, the site was rendered redundant.

Environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal, too, had visited the place and had raised objections.

“Exposure to improperly disposed of waste causes skin and blood infections, respiratory issues and intestinal problems,” said a doctor.

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Amritsar