The Bhagatawala garbage dump, located in the heart of Amritsar, has been a long-standing environmental and health nightmare for local residents. Spanning over 10 hectares, the dump has become a constant source of suffering, with toxic fumes and a foul odor contributing to respiratory problems, skin allergies, and other health issues. The situation worsens when fires break out at the site, making it difficult for vulnerable groups, like senior citizens and children, to breathe.
Since the 1990s, when the Municipal Corporation began dumping waste there, the site has been growing at an alarming rate, with 500 metric tonnes of waste being added every day. Over 20 lakh metric tonnes of waste have accumulated, threatening to engulf the surrounding areas. The nearby Bhagatawala Dana Mandi, the region’s largest grain market, is also at risk, with no clear boundary to separate it from the dump.
Residents have been demanding the relocation of the dump since 2006, but despite protests and the formation of a Sangarsh committee, their pleas have been ignored. The government has failed to take meaningful action, with four unsuccessful attempts to restart bioremediation projects over the past eight years.
In response to the crisis, Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia announced that the city is in the process of hiring three companies to handle door-to-door waste collection, bioremediation, and recycling. Meanwhile, Amritsar South MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjer acknowledged the residents’ long suffering and emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a permanent solution, although he noted that disposing of the accumulated waste remains a major challenge.
The Bhagatawala garbage dump continues to serve as a harsh reminder of the city’s failure to address pressing environmental issues. The residents are left wondering if they will ever see the day when this toxic legacy is finally tackled.
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