Mohali, July 18: Sounding the alarm over unchecked garbage dumping and mounting environmental hazards, the Confederation of Greater Mohali Residents Welfare Associations has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging immediate state-level intervention to end the region’s chronic solid waste crisis.
Representing 65 resident welfare associations (RWAs), the confederation alleged that unscientific dumping, poor sanitation, and persistent violations of environmental norms have plagued Mohali for over two decades, endangering public health and posing a serious risk to aviation safety.
In their letter to the CM’s office, residents accused civic agencies—particularly GMADA and the municipal council—of consistently ignoring legal directives, including multiple rulings from the National Green Tribunal and the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “Despite the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, garbage continues to be dumped in open, unregulated sites such as Sector 58 (Sahimajra), Phase-11, Sector 48-C, and several adjoining villages,” the letter stated.
Of particular concern is the Phase-11 dumping ground, which lies just 1.5 km from the Chandigarh International Airport and the Air Force’s 12 Wing. “This is a direct air safety threat that has already been flagged by civil aviation authorities and defence officials,” the confederation wrote.
The residents also expressed frustration over the failure to relocate waste processing operations despite repeated assurances. “There has been no coordination among GMADA, the municipal council, and other departments. This has allowed the situation to deteriorate,” the letter read.
While welcoming the government’s recent proposal to shift waste processing to Janjheri village on Chunni Road, the RWAs insisted that the move be treated as a mission of critical importance. “This can’t be another delayed promise. The state government must set binding timelines and lead the relocation as a top-priority effort,” said a confederation spokesperson.
The group has demanded an immediate halt to dumping at existing sites, the formation of a high-level task force, scientific environmental assessments of the proposed Janjheri site, and meaningful community consultations. They also called for investment in decentralised waste management solutions, such as composting systems and biogas units, to reduce dependence on large-scale dumping.
“We’re not asking for cosmetic changes—we want systemic, accountable reform,” the letter concluded.
