Home / Environment / Garbage Mountain Project Stalled: City Faces Waste Crisis
Garbage Mountain Project Stalled: City Faces Waste Crisis
9 Oct
Summary
- Bioremediation work halted for a month due to transformer fire.
- Phase II project faces delays despite a December 2027 deadline.
- Contractor cites theft, infrastructure issues, and non-payment.
The crucial bioremediation of legacy waste at Ludhiana's main garbage dump in Jamalpur has been stalled for approximately one month. Work on Phase II, aimed at eliminating substantial waste accumulations, was disrupted when a transformer caught fire. Machines intended for the project have been idle at the dumpsite.
Despite a project deadline of December 2027, Phase II, which began in March 2024, is already experiencing significant delays. The private firm handling the project has faced numerous challenges, including initial electricity connection issues and the recent transformer fire. The contractor also reported theft of machine parts and a lack of proper infrastructure at the site.
Officials attribute the slow progress to factors such as the rainy season, infrastructure deficiencies, and theft. The contractor's processing capacity is currently much lower than the required 10,000 tonnes per day. Additionally, the firm has highlighted that no payments have been made by the Municipal Corporation (MC) for their work.
These ongoing delays mean that 'garbage mountains' continue to occupy significant areas, potentially leading to foul odors and pollution for nearby residents. The situation is compounded by fresh waste being dumped on previously cleared sites, further undermining the bioremediation efforts and extending the overall cleanup timeline.
