The Times of India      13.09.2010

PANCHKULA: The civic body came into existence seven years ago. But till date, there is one problem that neither Panchkula administration nor municipal corporation or HUDA has been able to solve ? finding an authorized dumping ground.

After trying many a place, authorities have turned an open space near sectors 23 and 25 into an illegal dumping ground. But it has annoyed the area residents, who have been raising their voice against it.

Earlier, MC and HUDA employees used to dump garbage in open spaces in the city and sometimes on roads. This had led to protest by various residents? welfare associations,

following which HUDA and MC zeroed in on a vacant plot in Sector 23, but it too roiled residents of sectors 23 to 28.

Then in 2009, district administration and MC identified a site in Bunga village, near Madanpura. But when authorities visited the place, they found it ?not large enough?. Early this year, the administration had identified a place near Kot-Billa village on National Highway 73. But as it was located on the banks of a seasonal rivulet, they rejected the site in view of environmental and health hazard it would lead to, sources said.

Last week, the administration had directed MC and HUDA to dump garbage at some distance from the present illegal dumping ground. They were told to dig pits and level these after dumping garbage. But residents have been complaining that drivers of garbage collection vehicles were not following the directions.

SS Gill, president of Joint Action Committee of sectors 23 to 28, said, ? Haryana Pollution Control Board had also issued notice to district administration and MC not to dump garbage in open. We have met many Panchkula as well as Haryana government officers, but to no avail.?

SS Negi, a resident of Sector 23, said the foul smell has made it difficult for asthma patients.

Panchkula deputy commissioner Ashima Brar said she had directed the administration officials as well as HUDA and MC to identify an alternative site. ?Officials are working on it ... we hope the administration will soon find a solution. A garbage treatment plant in Jhuriwala is under construction. It comes under HUDA. After its completion, half of the problem will be solved,? she added.

?No Open Place?
The vacant land spread over 10 acre is being used by Haryana development authority and municipal corporation to dump garbage for over five years. MC and HUDA maintained that they have no open place for the purpose .