Residents of AGI Infra's Jalandhar Heights came out in protest of the Corporation’s proposed garbage dump site near their vicinity. The proposed site is a mere 100 yards from a hospital and opposite a Gurudwara, which has raised concerns regarding public health and religious sentiments. The residents, under United Residents’ Forum led by Amit Taneja, took to the streets to protest against the corporation’s idea of a garbage dump site so close to a hospital and a gurudwara. They say that potential risks posed by dumping waste near a healthcare facility and a sacred religious site cannot be overlooked, and it raises severe concerns regarding the adverse impact on the residents’s health and well-being and their religious sentiments.
They say that this would seriously impact the health of the residents negatively. Potential risks posed by the dumping of waste near a healthcare facility cannot be overlooked, and it raises severe concerns regarding the adverse impact on the patient’s health and well-being. In addition to this, its proposed site opposite a gurudwara is a matter of deep concern for the Sikh community. A garbage dump this close to a holy site undermines religious sentiments and raises questions about their respect for religious diversity and cultural heritage.
It will also severely impact the environment and cause adverse health effects to the Heights’ over 2,00,000 residents. The adverse effects of air and water pollution, foul odors, and disease vectors pose a significant risk to the well-being of the local population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
The forum also points out that the proximity of the proposed garbage dump to the Army Aviation Unit raises serious concerns about safety norms and national security. The presence of a large number of birds attracted to the dump poses a potential threat to aviation operations and highlights the need for careful consideration of strategic locations for waste management facilities. Residents and stakeholders view the decision to establish a garbage dump near 66 Feet Road as a highly inhumane and insensitive move by the district administration. This decision puts the health and well-being of thousands of residents and stakeholders at risk and undermines the principles of public welfare and environmental stewardship
In response to the proposed garbage dump, concerned citizens organised a road rally on Saturday. Thousands of residents took to the streets on 66 Feet Road to voice their grievances and demand a reconsideration of the project location.
Along with this, the United Residents’ Forum did provide some alternate solutions to the problem. It is worth noting that government land at Village Jamsher has already been acquired for waste management purposes. Shifting the garbage sourced from 8 wards to this location would not only address the concerns of residents but also mitigate the potential risks associated with the proposed dump near 66 Feet Road. 5. The existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pholriwal, spread over 87 acres, utilizes outdated technology. By converting it into a more compact facility occupying just 5 acres, valuable land resources can be freed up for commercial development, thereby contributing significantly to the state treasury.
Residents and stakeholders view the decision to establish a garbage dump near 66 Feet Road as a highly inhumane and insensitive move by the district administration. They say that this decision puts the health and well-being of thousands of residents and stakeholders at risk and undermines the principles of public and environmental welfare.