Mohali has been facing a growing waste management problem for years. With a population of 2.3 lakh, the city produces nearly 150 tonnes of garbage every day but does not have a permanent facility to handle it. Two existing waste processing plants, one at Shahimajra with a 40-tonne daily capacity and another at Jagatpura with an 80-tonne capacity, remain non-functional despite having infrastructure in place. The lack of proper disposal systems has left residents dealing with stinking piles of garbage, stray animals, and unhygienic conditions in neighbourhoods. The situation has also impacted the city’s rankings in the annual Swachh Survekshan survey, where Mohali fell from 82nd place last year to 128th among 903 cities of similar size.
The long-awaited eco-friendly waste-to-energy plant in Samgoli, Dera Bassi, is finally moving forward after years of delays. The project was first proposed in 2012, but bureaucratic hurdles kept it on hold for more than a decade. Initially, 50 acres of land were planned for the project, but only 39 acres were acquired by the local bodies department in 2013. The remaining 11 acres are still pending with the revenue department. Earlier, a boundary wall costing ₹35 lakh was constructed, and HPCL had prepared an estimate of ₹27 crore for a compressed biogas (CBG) plant. However, the project stalled due to lack of road access. In July 2024, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj finally approved construction of a one-kilometre approach road to the site at an estimated cost of ₹29 crore, under the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Corporation (PMIDC).
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal and MC Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu recently visited the Samgoli site to review the plans. Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu said that solid waste from Mohali, Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, and Lalru will be sent to Samgoli. The first phase will involve constructing the one-kilometre approach road, which is expected to take around three months. After the road is complete, garbage will be transported to the site, and the waste-to-energy plant construction will begin. The plant is expected to take eight to ten months to complete.
Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu added that the plant will use modern, environmentally friendly technology. It will process the city’s solid waste without emitting foul odors or harmful gases, ensuring that it remains completely eco-friendly. Once operational, the facility will help manage the daily 150 tonnes of waste generated in Mohali efficiently, providing long-term relief to residents who have struggled with unprocessed garbage for over a decade.
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The delay in waste management projects has been a major issue for the city. Administrative red tape, pending land acquisition, and lack of road access have slowed progress repeatedly. Councillor Jaspreet Kaur of Ward No. 1 criticised the state government for inaction, saying, “The city has gone to the dogs. Heaps of garbage and foul smells are everywhere. This is the so-called ‘Future City’ they promised?” The city’s poor performance in Swachh Survekshan also reflects these challenges. Mohali, which had topped the state rankings last year for cities with over 1 lakh population, fell to 11th place within Punjab this year. Nationally, it slipped from 82nd to 128th place among 903 similar cities.
The new plant is expected to improve waste management significantly once it is operational. It will not only process Mohali’s waste but also handle garbage from neighbouring areas, helping to reduce the burden on the city. The eco-friendly technology will also ensure that environmental concerns are addressed while providing a modern solution to a long-standing problem. Residents and environmental experts are hopeful that this project will finally end years of neglect and improve cleanliness and hygiene across Mohali.
With the construction of the approach road and the plant, the city hopes to restore its reputation as a clean and well-managed urban area. The combined efforts of the municipal corporation, state authorities, and PMIDC aim to provide a sustainable and effective solution to the solid waste problem. Once completed, the plant will mark a significant step toward modern, eco-friendly waste management in Mohali and surrounding regions.
The waste-to-energy plant in Samgoli represents a long-awaited solution that has the potential to transform the way the city manages garbage. Residents are optimistic that the delays of the past will finally be overcome and that the plant will bring long-term relief. By adopting modern technology and ensuring eco-friendly operations, Mohali aims to improve public health, reduce environmental hazards, and regain its position in cleanliness rankings. The project will also demonstrate how urban centres can address waste management challenges effectively when planning, technology, and administration come together.
In conclusion, the construction of the Samgoli plant and the necessary road infrastructure marks the beginning of a new chapter in Mohali’s waste management efforts. Once operational, it will handle the city’s daily garbage efficiently, use clean energy technology, and improve living conditions for thousands of residents. While past delays have caused frustration, the city now looks forward to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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