Nearly two months after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued clear directives, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Panchkula has failed to prevent the accumulation of waste at the Jhuriwala transfer-cum-transition point. Heaps of garbage from several days continue to lie unattended, blatantly violating the tribunal's order to ensure daily clearance.
NGT Directives Fall on Deaf Ears
The NGT's October directive came in response to a grievance highlighting the unscientific dumping of waste at Jhuriwala. The applicant had alleged that garbage often remained piled up for three to four days, creating significant environmental and health risks. The tribunal had specifically directed the MC to ensure that no waste accumulates and all garbage brought to the site is cleared daily.
However, a recent ground visit reveals a starkly different picture. The site, earlier claimed to be cleared and used only as a transit point, now has garbage spilling onto the Panchkula-Barwala national highway. The situation has created a major nuisance for local residents due to the foul smell emanating from the rotting waste.
Multiple Hazards and Public Anger
The problems at Jhuriwala are multi-faceted and pose serious dangers:
- The service lane, dug up to release stagnant dirty water into the Nandana choe, remains unfilled, creating accident risks and adding to the overall mess.
- Cattle can be seen feeding on the garbage and subsequently straying onto the busy highway, significantly increasing the risk of accidents, especially for two-wheeler riders. Locals fear the site could become a hotspot for mishaps.
- With the December 25 deadline to clear the legacy waste from the Sector 23 dumping ground fast approaching, concerns are mounting. Nearly 76,000 metric tonnes of garbage still lie at that site, indicating a systemic failure in waste management.
Residents are outraged by the administration's apathy. Advocate Nitesh Mittal, a resident of Sector 25, stated that the MC seems completely unaffected by the NGT's directions. "They cannot show even a single photo without waste. In winter, garbage doesn't dry, so the stench is unbearable," he said.
Residents Plan Escalation, Swachh Survekshan Concerns
Another concerned resident, Mohit Gupta, revealed that the community plans to take up the issue with the Deputy Commissioner this week. "It's shocking there is no regard for NGT's orders. During monsoon, leachate even flows onto the road. How does the MC expect to fare in Swachh Survekshan under such conditions?" he questioned, highlighting the irony of the situation in a country that champions the Swachh Bharat mission.
The continued neglect at the Jhuriwala site not only flouts judicial orders but also raises serious questions about public health, road safety, and the city's commitment to cleanliness rankings. The ball is now in the court of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation to take immediate, visible action before the situation escalates further.
