Open house: How can authorities tackle Bhagtanwala waste & pollution crisis?

Strict rules should be enforced

I could pen a saga on Amritsar’s municipal irregularities, but I’ll squeeze it into a few words. The Bhagtanwala dump, adjacent to Asia’s famous grain market and close to sacred Harmandir Sahib in the holy city, violates Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The Municipal Corporation fails to segregate, collect and process 20 lakh metric tonnes of waste, provide infrastructure, or curb pollution, harming approximately 16 lakh residents and 1.5 lakh tourists. The site, 100 metres from the residential area, is unsuitable for a waste plant due to contamination and protests since 2006. With no decentralisation, this lone dumpsite festers. Antony Waste, Essel, Averda failed; new contractors falter. The civic body authorities should relocate the dumping site, enforce rules, decentralise functions, study health impacts and engage locals in keeping the city neat and clean. Punjabis, raise your voice for a cleaner Amritsar! Sanjay Sharma

Waste processing facility needed

Amritsar’s deteriorating air quality has become a serious public health issue, and the Bhagtanwala dump stands out as a major contributor. With over 20 lakh metric tonnes of waste accumulated dangerously close to residential areas — and just about a kilometre from the Golden Temple — the situation demands immediate and decisive action. Frequent fires during the summer months only worsen the crisis, releasing toxic fumes that endanger thousands of lives daily. The failure to operationalise the proposed bioremediation plant in 2018 reflects administrative apathy. Authorities must now prioritise the establishment of a state-of-the-art waste processing facility without further delay. Bioremediation, waste-to-energy solutions and scientific capping techniques must be urgently explored and implemented. Additionally, strict monitoring, segregation of new waste and a complete ban on open dumping should be enforced. Public-private partnerships could be leveraged to bring in expertise and ensure faster execution. The health and image of a historic and spiritual city like Amritsar cannot be compromised any longer. Immediate political will, transparent action plans, and continuous community engagement are essential to eliminate the Bhagtanwala menace and restore the city’s environment and dignity. Aarti Rana Chauhan

Expedite bioremediation process immediately

To address the Bhagtanwala dump issue, authorities should implement a multi-phased approach. First, accelerate bioremediation by deploying specialised agencies to treat legacy waste, ensuring proper segregation of organic and inorganic materials. Second, implement strict monitoring measures to prevent fires, including the installation of firebreaks and round-the-clock surveillance. Third, relocate fresh waste to designated sanitary landfills while bioremediation is ongoing. Fourth, involve the community through awareness campaigns aimed at reducing waste generation and promoting recycling. Fifth, ensure transparency by sharing progress reports with residents and setting clear deadlines. Lastly, seek Central government funding or establish public-private partnerships to expedite the cleanup process. Given the dump’s proximity to residential areas and the Golden Temple, urgent action is needed to mitigate health hazards and environmental damage. A coordinated effort, supported by strong accountability mechanisms, will be key to success.

Jaspreet Singh

Authorities should fix accountability

If the Municipal Corporation (MC) is completely failing to discharge its duties, then what is the purpose of having an MC? Its members are elected to take action, not to sleep over critical matters. The first step the authorities should take to address the Bhagtanwala dump menace is to acknowledge their failure in implementing the bioremediation plan. In the meantime, they should hire an efficient private organisation to carry out the work. Alternatively, the second step the authorities can take is to assign fresh responsibilities to MC officers and set a clear, minimum timeframe for implementing the plan — especially since several years have already passed without progress. Last but not least, residents living near the Bhagtanwala dump should vigorously raise their voices and appeal directly to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding action and highlighting the prolonged failure of the Amritsar MC. Sanjay Chawla

Secure Special Purpose Vehicle

All successive state governments have failed to tackle the mammoth task of managing the Bhagtanwala dump. It remains merely an election agenda, with all political parties climbing atop the dump to garner votes. Garbage management is a specialised task, distinct from street cleaning, which falls under the purview of municipal authorities. The Municipal Corporation of Amritsar (MCA) has never seriously considered proper waste management; until now, its involvement has been limited to lifting and dumping waste, without progressing to the next critical phase. Only technology and specialised machinery can effectively manage such a large-scale task. Given the complexity and scale, this responsibility should be kept out of the MCA’s scope. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) should be secured under the aegis of the Local Bodies Department on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis. International funding agencies such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) should be involved, as has been done in the city’s river water management project. It is high time that serious thought is given to the execution of this crucial project. Mandeep Singh

Comprehensive plan needed

The Bhagatawala garbage dump in Amritsar is a ticking time bomb, posing serious threats to the health and well-being of our citizens. The dump’s toxic fumes and pollutants are exacerbating air quality issues, making it difficult for residents to breathe. It’s imperative that the authorities take immediate action to address this issue. We need a comprehensive waste management plan that includes waste processing plants and infrastructure to manage waste effectively. Bio-remediation of the dump site is also essential to mitigate its impact on air quality. As citizens, we have the right to clean air and a healthy environment. It is our responsibility to demand action from our elected representatives and work together to find solutions. I urge the authorities to prioritise this issue and take concrete steps to improve waste management in Amritsar. Harnam Singh Sandhu

Adopt Indore’s management model

The solid waste segregation system implemented in Indore serves as a leading example of effective waste management — from collection at the source to responsible final disposal. This model ensures that recyclable and reusable materials are separated early, enabling their reintegration into the production cycle. Unlike the outdated practice of dumping mixed waste into landfills, Indore’s approach mirrors that of many developed nations that prioritize sustainability through efficient segregation. This system could form the backbone of national initiatives like the Clean Air Programme or the Smart City Mission. Incorporating such a model would significantly reduce the risk of waste being burned – deliberately or by accident – a major contributor to urban pollution. Regrettably, waste collection practices in many cities have either stagnated or deteriorated. Even in affluent neighbourhoods, residents often report missed pickups despite repeated complaints to service providers. For India’s urban centres to truly become “smart cities," governance must embrace transparent, practical solutions like Indore’s – ones that are both innovative and accountable. Yogesh Kamra

Ensure strict source segregation

To tackle the Bhagtanwala dump menace, authorities must immediately re-evaluate and revamp the failed 2018 bioremediation plan with expert consultation and a feasible timeline. Simultaneously, they should explore alternative waste processing technologies like waste-to-energy or advanced composting. Strict source segregation and public awareness are crucial for long-term prevention. A phased cleanup approach targeting high-risk areas first, coupled with stringent fire prevention measures, is essential. Transparency and community involvement will ensure better progress. Finally, seeking financial and technical assistance from relevant agencies can expedite the process and ensure a sustainable solution for Amritsar’s air quality. Bioremediation plan using expert agencies experienced in handling legacy waste, like those involved in Ghazipur or Delhi. Use modern technology like trommels, wind sifters and composting systems. Install temperature and methane sensors across the site to detect hotspots early. Cap sections of the dump where feasible with inert material to reduce oxygen ingress and gas emissions. Station a dedicated fire-fighting and response team, especially during summer. Gurjinder Singh

Relocate the dumping site

The Bhagtanwala dump is adjacent to the main grain market of the city. The Amritsar- Khemkaran railway line runs along the boundary of the dump. The Upper Bari Doab Canal is flowing very near the Bhagtanwala dump. Gurdwara Shaheedan Sahib is only few yards away from the dumping site. The holiest shrine for Sikhs, Golden Temple, is less than a kilometre from the Bhagtanwala dump. As no processing of the legacy waste is in practice, it occasionally catches fire. The polluted air is causing pulmonary, skin and ophthalmic ailments to the residents. The seepage of toxic liquids having heavy metals and carcinogenic chemicals has polluted the underground water. The only solution is the relocation of the Bhagtanwala dump. Kulwant Singh Ankhi

Leaders should address the issue

Amritsar, a city full of culture and history, is sinking under the weight of the Bhagtanwala dump. The once vibrant streets now suffocate under mountains of untreated garbage, endangering lives and staining our legacy. Despite endless complaints, no lasting solution has emerged. Our administration must awaken to the cries of the people and relocate the dump urgently. I urge local leaders to prioritise public health, restore our city’s dignity and protect future generations. Let Bhagtanwala’s nightmare end with strong, decisive action — not hollow promises. Amritsar deserves better. Act now, before it’s too late. Pankaj Kumar Seth

Amritsar