Sukhna Choe or dumpsite? CPCC seeks urgent measures

Chandigarh: A section of Sukhna Choe near the lake's regulatory end has become a waste disposal site, with residents discarding municipal solid waste (MSW) in and around the seasonal rivulet without any deterrence.

The waste flows directly into the choe. The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has addressed this serious issue by sending correspondence to the municipal corporation (MC), detailing the situation and seeking necessary remedial actions. The absence of protective nets along this particular stretch has been identified as the primary cause of MSW accumulation. The CPCC has requested the MC to install nets at all choe intersections to prevent waste disposal.

In the correspondence to the municipal commissioner, the CPCC's member secretary writes, "It is informed that during the inspection of the drains in Chandigarh, it was found that the municipal solid waste (MSW) is being dumped on the banks of the choe at various places. As the nets are not installed at the intersections where drains are passing under the bridge (culvert) like the one at Sukhna choe (near the regulatory end, village Kishangarh). Earlier too, it was requested to install nets at such places which are in your jurisdiction, but still, at some places, the nets have not been installed. Hence, you are requested to take necessary action, primarily to install nets over all the crossings from where drains are passing to stop the disposal of garbage and also conduct regular cleanliness drives to clear the solid waste on the banks of the choes."

The CPCC's previous communications highlight that people dispose of plastic bags and items through these drain intersections under bridges. Biomedical waste, including expired medicines, has been discovered in these drains. This results in drainage blockages, disrupted sewage flow, and potential pollution of the Ghaggar river.

Another official communication states, "It is also found that sometimes construction and demolition waste is also thrown on the side of these crossings, which may lead to blockage of passage and may create stagnation of water leading to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Keeping in view the seriousness of the issue, you are requested to install iron nets of good height over all the crossings from where drains are passing to avoid the discharge of any kind of solid waste in the drains."

Officials indicate that residents from nearby Kishangarh village dispose of plastic and waste materials in the choe during night hours. This area requires particular attention to maintain cleanliness at the regulatory end and its vicinity.

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Under NGT watch

Since the cleanliness and maintenance of the choes of the city is a significant issue, the same is under the direct watch of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which keeps issuing required directions in this regard from time to time. The MC is the prime body to maintain cleanliness and ensure that no sewage enters the choes, while the CPCC also plays a role in monitoring to ensure proper cleanliness of these choes. Both MC and CPCC work together in this exercise.

Chandigarh: A section of Sukhna Choe near the lake's regulatory end has become a waste disposal site, with residents discarding municipal solid waste (MSW) in and around the seasonal rivulet without any deterrence.

The waste flows directly into the choe. The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has addressed this serious issue by sending correspondence to the municipal corporation (MC), detailing the situation and seeking necessary remedial actions. The absence of protective nets along this particular stretch has been identified as the primary cause of MSW accumulation. The CPCC has requested the MC to install nets at all choe intersections to prevent waste disposal.

In the correspondence to the municipal commissioner, the CPCC's member secretary writes, "It is informed that during the inspection of the drains in Chandigarh, it was found that the municipal solid waste (MSW) is being dumped on the banks of the choe at various places. As the nets are not installed at the intersections where drains are passing under the bridge (culvert) like the one at Sukhna choe (near the regulatory end, village Kishangarh). Earlier too, it was requested to install nets at such places which are in your jurisdiction, but still, at some places, the nets have not been installed. Hence, you are requested to take necessary action, primarily to install nets over all the crossings from where drains are passing to stop the disposal of garbage and also conduct regular cleanliness drives to clear the solid waste on the banks of the choes."

The CPCC's previous communications highlight that people dispose of plastic bags and items through these drain intersections under bridges. Biomedical waste, including expired medicines, has been discovered in these drains. This results in drainage blockages, disrupted sewage flow, and potential pollution of the Ghaggar river.

Another official communication states, "It is also found that sometimes construction and demolition waste is also thrown on the side of these crossings, which may lead to blockage of passage and may create stagnation of water leading to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Keeping in view the seriousness of the issue, you are requested to install iron nets of good height over all the crossings from where drains are passing to avoid the discharge of any kind of solid waste in the drains."

Officials indicate that residents from nearby Kishangarh village dispose of plastic and waste materials in the choe during night hours. This area requires particular attention to maintain cleanliness at the regulatory end and its vicinity.

BOX

Under NGT watch

Since the cleanliness and maintenance of the choes of the city is a significant issue, the same is under the direct watch of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which keeps issuing required directions in this regard from time to time. The MC is the prime body to maintain cleanliness and ensure that no sewage enters the choes, while the CPCC also plays a role in monitoring to ensure proper cleanliness of these choes. Both MC and CPCC work together in this exercise.