Abhishek Sindhu vs State of Punjab

Grievance in this application is against dumping of waste and encroachments in the periphery of 'Patiala Ki Rao' Choe, in Vikas Nagar, Nayagaon, Majri Sub-Tehsil, Kharar Tehsil, District SAS Nagar, Punjab, in the vicinity of Chandigarh. The applicant has mentioned the status of five sites as follow:

"I. Site 1

This spot just outside the Janta Colony, Nayagaon is a stretch of about 100-200 m which used to be the only spot at this road (Khudda Lahora bridge to Nada bridge; distance- 4kms approx.) where waste of all types was dumped in excessive quantities till February 2021. Since February- March 2021 dumping of waste has been reduced to a great extent but despite that this stretch is still polluted and has a lot of garbage and debris. (Images at Annexure A)

Site 2

This spot near Gate No. 2 of Vikas Nagar, Nayagaon is the most crucial spot which the complainant wants to emphasize. From the February- March 2021 when the dumping of waste was reduced at site no. I as mentioned above the Municipal authorities of Nayagaon deliberately created three spots on this road (Khudda Lahora bridge - Nada bridge) to dump all sorts of waste. These three sites are site no. 2, 3 and 4 (see Google Earth map above).

This site has faced the same plight which site no. I had faced since many years. Solid waste including sanitary waste in excessive quantities is dumped at this place giving rise to stench, mosquitoes, diseases etc. This site has become a common place for a lot of stray cattles which are also a great nuisance to the passersby especially the vehicles and more specifically the two wheelers because there are a lot of stray bulls who keep fighting in this area and pose a threat to the people travelling on road. Dogs can often be seen taking away the sanitary waste and littering the surrounding areas making it more grotesque. Also this dumping site is just adjacent to a place called 'Ram Sharanam' which is occasionally used by people for holy gathering; satsangs etc.

The road mentioned above is extensively used by the residents of Vikas Nagar, Nayagaon including the complainant for travelling, morning and evening walk, jogging etc. Unpleasant sight of garbage, navigating through the cattle dung on road, preventing oneself from stray bulls, smelling the intense stench whenever passing, all this is violating the Right to Live in a Pollution Free Environment of all the residents of Vikas Nagar, Nayagaon.

It may be noted that everyday two large size tractor trolleys are filled upto the brim with waste lying at this spot by a JCB machine and the waste is taken to some other place. But that has not reduced the problem even to a small extent and still the place is highly polluted and toxic with a huge dump of waste lying 24 x 7. (Images at Annexure B)

Site 3

This is comparatively a smaller site where a huge iron waste bin has been kept by the municipal authorities. This bin is usually full to the brim with waste littered all around it.

Usually, a dog can be seen inside it finding some food. Few units and bulls roam this site. It is crucial to point out that this specific pan of the road from site 2 to 4 lacks street lights and is completely devoid of any light in night and the bulls roaming may prove futile to any person or vehicle passing by. Due to poor waste management and collection even the people of nearby areas have started throwing waste at this spot. (Images at Annexure C)

Site 4

This site, near Gate no. 3 of Vikas Nagar, Nayagaon, was proposed to be a dumping site but due to intervention of some good Samaritans the authorities were unsuccessful in converting this place to another 'site no. 2'. Nonetheless garbage can still be seen lying there. (Images at Annexure D)

Site 5

This is an old site near the Nada bridge with a lot of garbage not only lying there but also making its way into the bed of 'Patiala ki Rao' choe. Stray cattle arc usual. (Images at Annexure E)"

In view of above allegations, the District Magistrate, Mohali in coordination with the concerned Municipal Council needs to verify the factual situation and take remedial action in accordance with law.

The application is disposed of.

A copy of this order, along with copy of the complaint, be forwarded to District Magistrate, Mohali by e-mail for compliance.