Indecisiveness and escalating costs plague Ludhiana's Waste Disposal Project

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is facing criticism for its prolonged indecisiveness in implementing a crucial project, leading to a significant increase in costs. Over the past three years, the city has been grappling with the execution of a disposal plant designed to handle the massive construction and demolition waste (C&D) under the Smart City Mission in Dhandari. Initially estimated at Rs 2.7 crore, the project's cost has now escalated to Rs 7.6 crore. Consequently, the revised plan will be incorporated into the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The municipal officials are set to discuss this revised project during a scheduled technical advisory committee meeting later this month, where the plan will be subject to approval before tenders are floated. The primary hurdle faced by the project was the issue of its location. As the site was originally a garbage dumping area, officials were faced with the choice of either entirely removing the waste or constructing pillars and laying a slab to establish the structure.

Officials have attributed the increased cost to the incorporation of pillars into the plan. They have also cited the lack of available land elsewhere for constructing the plant, as it requires 2.5-3 acres of land. Guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dictate that the plant should be situated away from residential areas. Failure to comply would result in the Punjab Pollution Control Board withholding a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for establishing a plant near inhabited areas. While a site in Haibowal was initially identified, the presence of nearby houses rendered it unfeasible.

The project was originally scheduled for completion by March 2023 but experienced no progress. In the meantime, due to the absence of proper waste disposal mechanisms for construction and demolition waste, piles of debris can be found scattered throughout the city, particularly in outer areas.

The monitoring committee established by the National Green Tribunal has urged the civic officials to expedite the completion of this project. The municipal corporation had designated six sites, including Chandigarh Road, Dhandhari Kalan, Rahon Road, Barewal, Jugiana, and Kanganwal, to deter people from dumping construction waste in parks, green belts, or canal banks. However, waste continues to accumulate in locations such as Buddha Nullah, green belts, Model Town Extension, and Dugri, disregarding the designated sites.

Next (Ahmedabad takes decisive step to curb tax evasion with 'no due' certificate mandate)

Indecisiveness and escalating costs plague Ludhiana's Waste Disposal Project

This Month

Overview

Explore

Join Us