Swachh Bharat standstill: Mohali’s waste collection vehicles turning into scrap

The Mohali Municipal Corporation introduced the waste segregation project on a trial basis in Sector 71 in mid-April 2017. It was formally inaugurated on June 5, 2017, by the then local government minister, Navjot Singh Sidhu.

To comply with the National Green Tribunal’s guidelines, the then municipal commissioner, Kamal Kumar Garg, distributed 45 specially designed waste-collection carts. Additionally, four enforcement teams were formed, and a penalty system (Rs 250 per resident) was implemented starting February 10, 2020, with a March 31 deadline for mandatory household waste segregation.

13 Tata Ace mini-vans now sit unused on the Fire Brigade Station premises in Sector 78, rusting after years of neglect, despite garbage piling up across the city. (Express Photo by Jasbir Malhi)

The municipal corporation also attempted to sell subsidised blue and green dustbins, but only 150 units were sold. Despite these measures, the outcomes have been unsatisfactory.

When contacted, municipal corporation Commissioner Parminderpal Singh Sandhu said, “This issue has just come to my notice. In the next one or two months these vehicles will be utilised. The Tata Ace van issue will be addressed in the next meeting with a proposed resolution.

Once government approval is obtained, these vehicles will be outsourced to the private contractor to prevent their deterioration. Additionally, the private contractor will be responsible for covering all maintenance, fuel, and other expenses. Furthermore, cycle-rickshaws will also be utilised soon.”

Sandhu said he would investigate the matter and promised prompt corrective action.