Garbage protest in Mohali’s Shahi Majra ends after MLA’s intervention

He told the gathering that an alternative waste disposal site had been finalised in consultation with senior officials and would be disclosed once formal possession was obtained. “I don’t have a magic wand to solve this overnight,” he said, seeking cooperation for a few more days. Once possession is granted, Singh said, an eight-foot boundary wall will be built and waste-processing machinery installed.

The MLA assured that once the new site becomes operational, the existing plant at the RMC point would be shifted. “I served as Mohali Mayor for five years, and there was never a garbage crisis despite having a collection point here,” he said, blaming the current crisis on the closure of the city’s dumping ground.

Responding to Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu’s charge of “petty politics” over civic issues, Singh retorted, “Uthiya Na Jaaye Aap Ton Te Fitte Muh Godiyan Da” (those unable to shoulder responsibility often make excuses and blame others). He added that as Mayor, he had not taken a single penny from the government and had left behind a ₹35-crore fixed deposit, whereas now, “funds are received from the government but not spent effectively.”

The decision to call off the protest was taken in the presence of Shahi Majra councillor Jagdish Singh Jagga, former councillor Ashok Jha, and several resident representatives. The lock placed at the RMC point was removed. Local association general secretary Rupinder Singh thanked residents, organisations, and the MLA, but warned that if the problem recurred, the dharna and lock would be reinstated “without delay.”

Advocate clashes with MC Commissioner

During the protest, advocate K.K. Goel clashed with MC Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh, saying he had already complained to the DGP and Mohali SHO seeking an FIR against the MC for “making residents sick.” Another resident said his daily 10 km walks had stopped due to illness caused by the site, for which he is now being treated at PGI. A woman alleged that her son fell ill for days after vomiting from the stench, and others said the foul smell had kept relatives away.

Some residents remained unconvinced, noting that nearly 250 tonnes of garbage were cleared only after the MLA’s visit, while nothing was done during the three-day dharna. They also demanded a boundary wall at the rear of the RMC point. Representatives of local associations resolved that if promises were not met, they would re-lock the site and stage a permanent dharna.

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