Centre ‘obfuscating, covering up’ MC’s shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump: Tewari

The MP further asked the quantum of remaining legacy and concurrent waste presently accumulating; and the steps being taken to ensure full and time-bound clearance of the garbage dump and prevent its recurrence in the future.

Replying to the queries, Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State (MoS), Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, told the Parliament that that sanitation is a State subject under 7th schedule of the Constitution and that it is the responsibility of State/ urban local bodies to plan, design, execute and operate such projects in the urban areas of the country.

He also said that the implementation of projects under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban is undertaken through regular meetings with the state officials at various levels and through regular field visits.

The reply specified that as per information received from Chandigarh, 5.10 lakh MT of legacy waste identified at Dadumajra dumpsite has been completely remediated.

“Around 55,000 MT of unprocessed waste accumulated at the site is currently being remediated. As informed, UT of Chandigarh has ensured adequate waste processing to avoid its recurrence,” the MoS said.

Following the reply, Tewari said, “It is extremely disappointing that the government chose to completely obfuscate and cover up the fact that the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation since November 2024 has been repeatedly shifting timelines for the clearance of the Dadumajra garbage dump”.

“However the garbage dump will have to be cleared in entirety by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation and the Administration. I will keep raising it in Parliament and on every available fora. The residents of Chandigarh need to be liberated from this garbage dump and the vile odour it emanates,” he added.