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Chandigarh Mandis Fail Basic Health & Hygiene Standards
20 Feb
Summary
- Over 80% of markets lack basic facilities like toilets and bins.
- 87.5% of markets don't have waste bins or practice segregation.
- Lack of parking causes congestion, impacting public health.
A recent study by the Institute for Development and Communication (IDC) has exposed critical infrastructural deficiencies in Chandigarh's weekly Apni Mandis. The report indicates that more than 80% of these markets are severely lacking in basic amenities such as public toilets, waste bins, and dedicated parking areas.
Compounding these issues, 87.5% of the surveyed mandis do not possess waste bins, and waste segregation is virtually non-existent, resulting in prevalent plastic litter. Furthermore, a complete absence of designated washing areas across all 11 surveyed markets exacerbates sanitation gaps. These conditions are increasingly impacting public health and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Traffic congestion is a major concern, with over half of the markets experiencing frequent or constant road blockages due to the lack of dedicated parking facilities. Vendors acknowledge awareness of eco-friendly alternatives but cite higher costs as the primary barrier to adoption, alongside customer resistance. This highlights a significant 'policy-practice gap' in effective waste management and plastic regulation.
The study recommends infrastructural reforms, including mandatory waste segregation systems, composting units, improved waste collection, and provision of public utilities. It also suggests incentive-based mechanisms to curb single-use plastic and stronger municipal accountability to integrate weekly markets into the city's broader sustainability framework.
