In a bid to address persistent waste management challenges plaguing Mohali, residents may soon witness a significant shift as the municipal authorities gear up to entrust waste disposal responsibilities to a private firm. The decision, announced by MLA Kulwant Singh, aims to alleviate the city’s sanitation woes that have led to unhygienic conditions and health concerns among residents.
The foul odour emanating from mounting garbage piles has long been a source of discomfort for Mohali residents, hindering their daily lives and posing environmental hazards. Under the proposed arrangement, waste collected from households will continue to be transported to Resource Management Centres (RMCs), from where a private company will take charge of its disposal at their designated facilities. This initiative aligns with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has emphasized the need for sustainable waste management practices to curb environmental degradation. Previously, the dumping of waste at local dumping grounds had exacerbated the accumulation of refuse at RMCs, prompting regulatory intervention to halt such practices.
MLA Kulwant Singh highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the existing dumping grounds in Mohali were exceeding their capacity due to unchecked waste accumulation. As part of the transition, waste from GMADA sectors will also be redirected to Mohali’s RMCs until dedicated centres are established within GMADA sectors, with corresponding financial contributions to be made by GMADA towards the private contractor handling the waste.
The Mohali Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with the local government department, is poised to temporarily assign waste management responsibilities to a company already operational in the city’s new township. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and ensure effective waste disposal practices are implemented without further delay.Previously, Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi had staged protests against municipal and GMADA officials, underscoring the urgency of resolving the waste management crisis. His advocacy included symbolic actions like burning effigies and threats of hunger strikes, underscoring the community’s deep-seated concerns over the issue.
As Mohali prepares for this pivotal transition in waste management strategy, stakeholders anticipate improved sanitation conditions and a cleaner environment for all residents. The shift towards private sector involvement signifies a proactive approach towards sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship in the region.
