Three years later, legacy waste clearance in Ludhiana progresses at a snail’s pace

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) started a waste clearance project in 2022 to clean up the huge pile of legacy waste collected at the city's main dumpsite on Tajpur Road. The idea was to treat 25 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of old garbage in two years. The first phase planned to clear 5 lakh MT by January 2024. However, more than three years have passed, and the project is still not complete. Only 4.60 lakh MT of waste has been treated so far.

The initial contract was awarded on August 3, 2022, to a private company, which was paid ₹27.17 crore for the job. Despite its poor performance, the same firm has been given two new contracts by the MC. One of these involves treating an additional 19 lakh MT of legacy waste. This decision has raised serious questions about the MC’s decision-making process, especially when the company couldn’t meet its first deadline.

Environmental worries rise

The waste problem has led to serious environmental issues. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) have both raised alarms about groundwater pollution caused by the untreated waste. In 2021, the NGT ordered authorities to stop using water pumps within a 2-kilometre radius of the dump due to high contamination levels. They also asked the MC to arrange alternative drinking water sources for the people living nearby.

But water pollution is not the only concern. During summer months, frequent fires break out at the dumpsite, adding to already high air pollution levels. The stinking, smoky air poses a direct health risk to residents, especially those living close to Tajpur Road and Jamalpur.

A report by the NGT’s monitoring panel stated that about 30 lakh MT of waste has collected at the site. It warned that this massive dump is dangerous for both public health and the environment. The report also criticised the MC for not following solid waste management rules properly.

Despite these serious warnings, progress remains extremely slow. In February 2025, the civic body again gave a contract to treat the waste at the Jamalpur dump site. This project targets 19 lakh MT of waste and, if successful, could clear 41 acres of land. But residents and environmental activists are not hopeful.

Damanpreet Kaur, a local from Jamalpur, expressed her frustration. “It’s shocking that even after years of delay and repeated warnings and fines, the MC has not completed a project that directly affects our health,” she said.

Ramesh Handa, another resident, pointed out the main issue. “How can you expect a company to do a better job when they have already failed before? Giving them a new contract just shows how little the authorities care.”

MC’s executive engineer Harjit Singh admitted that the project is running behind schedule. He added that part of the company’s payment has been held back because of the delay. “We are waiting for the electricity connection to be installed at the site. Once that is done, the company will start working again,” he said.

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Need for accountability

This situation raises many concerns about the working style of the Municipal Corporation. First, why was the contract given to the same firm again when they had already delayed the project? Second, why has there been no strict action taken against the company or the officials responsible for monitoring the work?

The local government must realise that this is not just about clearing garbage. The health of thousands of people is at risk due to poor planning, slow work, and weak supervision. If the bio-remediation is done properly, it can make a big difference. It can reduce pollution, free up valuable land, and improve the overall environment of Ludhiana.

But for that to happen, strong decisions and urgent actions are needed. The government must focus on monitoring the new contract closely and set clear deadlines with strict penalties. Independent watchdogs like the NGT must also stay involved to ensure accountability.

Residents are tired of waiting. They need clean air, clean water, and a healthy place to live. The authorities must act now — not later — before the situation worsens.