Chandigarh Landfill Ire: Commissioner Warns Officials

The Chandigarh administration is under scrutiny for significant delays in clearing the Dadumajra landfill. Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar recently inspected the site and sharply criticized officials, particularly from the Solid Waste Management Cell, for the slow pace of bio-mining and waste processing. He mandated adherence to the revised deadline of the first week of May, emphasizing that further delays would not be tolerated and accountability would be fixed.

The administration has repeatedly shifted timelines before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Initially assuring clearance within 10 days, the deadline was extended due to unseasonal rains. The court, hearing a case pending since 2016, has noted allegations of forged documents being submitted by the corporation, deeming these claims serious.

Years of mismanagement have led to substantial expenditure, with over ₹110 crore spent on dealing with legacy waste. Three "mountains" of waste have been managed, with ongoing projects facing missed deadlines. The landfill continues to pose environmental and public health risks, affecting nearby residents and contributing to a decline in the city's Swachh rankings.