Serious Concerns Over Waste Management in Old Walled City of Amritsar

Amritsar, March 29, 

Amritsar, March 29, A collective of citizens and NGOs under the banner “Chalo Amritsar” has raised serious concerns regarding waste management issues in the city, particularly in the Old Walled City area. The citizens group had sent a suggestion to Punjab government for the 450th Foundation Anniversary for Amritsar Demand for Action Taken Report After PPCB Meeting Following a meeting with officials of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the group has demanded a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR). The members are also awaiting a meeting with the Municipal Commissioner, Amritsar, to address gaps in implementation and monitoring.

Fresh Dumping Alleged at Bhagtanwala Landfill Site:- Fresh Dumping at Bhagtanwala Landfill Site:- During the ongoing bioremediation work at the Bhagtanwala landfill site, allegations have surfaced by Ecostan that unidentified individuals are dumping fresh waste, disrupting the remediation process. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Municipal Corporation, Amritsar.

Threat to Environment and Public Health :- The group stated that such activities not only delay government projects but also pose a serious threat to the environment and public health, while leading to misuse of public resources.
 

Key Demands Highlighted
Scientific closure of the landfill and its conversion into a green public space
Strict enforcement of the single-use plastic ban in the Old City
Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Effective enforcement of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 from April 1, 2026
Time-bound action with clear accountability
 

Call for Action Before 450th Foundation Anniversary:- The group emphasized that all measures should be implemented before April 2027, when Amritsar will celebrate its 450th foundation anniversary.
 

Statements from Members

Indu Arora: The Old City can no longer bear weak enforcement; strict action must begin here.

Samita Kaur: Samita Kaur of Vatrukh Foundation said “ Policies like EPR and SWM Rules exist on paper and new rules of SWM 2026 will come into effect as on 1st April 2026, its enforcement and accountability will be a litmus test for Municipal Corporation Amritsar.”

Dr. Manjit Singh: Dumping fresh waste at a remediation site is a serious lapse.
 

Shweta Mehra: Cleaning Bhagtanwala is essential for the city’s future.
 

Appeal to Authorities :- “Chalo Amritsar” has urged authorities to take immediate action against violations, safeguard the ongoing remediation work, and ensure measurable results within a fixed timeline.