The Times of India     08.12.2010

Without bins, Mohali becomes dumping ground

MOHALI: Complete absence of garbage bins in commercial areas of Mohali has compounded the problem on city streets, which stems from residents littering their city with startling callousness. To clean up the mess, a proposal has been lying with Mohali municipal council (MC) since September, but it has not seen the light of the day due to political rivalry between Congress-backed councillors and Shiromani Akali Dal-backed councillors.

Residential, industrial as well as commercial areas in Mohali city are in a complete mess with open dumping grounds formed near residences, piles and piles of garbage lying rotting near industrial houses and just plain rubbish being collected near shops in commercial areas.

A proposal lying with MC to install state-of-the-art garbage disposal bins in Phase-3B2 and Phase-VII markets has yet to be deliberated upon as the last time the House meeting to discuss developmental issues was held, it ended within 15 minutes of having started with both sides baying for each other?s blood and all developmental works being put on the back-burner.

An office-bearer in MC said, "We are in the process of repairing existing parking lots and then we are going to float tenders inviting private contractors to install sturdy garbage bins. This would take some time but we are hopeful of completing due process in about a couple of months' time. Upon being asked about the existing infrastructure in place, which is nowhere near requirements, the official replied that a lot of blame would have to be taken by residents themselves. He said, " The residents of Mohali are not in the habit of using garbage bins to dispose off their waste. They openly dump their rubbish on the streets or in a corner where it keeps accumulating. With the passage of time, such garbage dumps have turned into a hotbed for vector-borne diseases and residents themselves are the worst sufferers.