Congress Councillors in Amritsar Rally Against Civic Failures
In a significant gathering on Friday, Congress councillors and their associates convened in Amritsar to deliberate on pressing civic issues plaguing the city. The meeting focused on irregular garbage collection, sewerage blockages, non-functional streetlights, and deteriorating road conditions, with participants expressing grave concerns over public health and administrative negligence.
Sanitation Crisis and Garbage Accumulation
The councillors highlighted that nearly every ward in Amritsar is struggling with poor sanitation services. They alleged that the door-to-door garbage collection system has completely failed, leading to heaps of waste accumulating in streets and residential areas. This situation not only poses a serious threat to public health but also reflects poorly on the civic administration's efficiency and commitment to cleanliness.
Sewerage Overflows and Disease Risks
Councillor Vikas Soni emphasized the severity of sewerage concerns, noting that frequent sewer overflows and stagnant dirty water have become common complaints across various localities. He warned that such conditions are increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, while authorities have failed to implement timely corrective measures. Soni also criticized the state of street lighting, pointing out that several light points remain non-functional, raising safety concerns during nighttime and compromising residents' security.
Road Infrastructure and Daily Hardships
Additionally, the meeting addressed the issue of damaged and broken roads, which continue to inconvenience residents and add to their daily hardships. The poor road conditions not only hinder transportation but also contribute to accidents and vehicle damage, further exacerbating the civic woes faced by the community.
Allegations of Administrative Neglect and Democratic Violations
Raising questions over the functioning of the Municipal Corporation, Soni stated that as per rules, a House meeting should be convened every month. However, no such meeting has been held for the past year, which he termed a violation of democratic norms. He alleged that councillors are being deprived of the opportunity to raise issues concerning their wards, with meetings deliberately not being called to suppress dissent and conceal administrative failures.
Accusations Against Private Contractors and Corruption
Soni further accused the private company engaged for garbage lifting and processing of failing to perform its duties effectively. He alleged collusion and irregular billing practices aimed at benefiting certain officials and stakeholders, warning that these matters would be investigated and strict action taken against those found guilty.
Future Actions and Protests
The councillors announced plans to soon seek a meeting with Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill to press for the resolution of these issues. If their concerns remain unaddressed, Congress councillors may stage protests outside the MC office, escalating their demand for immediate action to improve civic amenities and restore public trust in local governance.
