Ludhiana: Despite the Punjab government’s push for investment and industrial growth, the persistent lack of cleanliness at industrial focal points has left local business owners struggling to save face before visiting clients.Industrialists across various phases said garbage-littered roads, waste dumped in open plots, and uncollected industrial refuse create a poor first impression for domestic and international buyers. While factories are upgrading manufacturing facilities, they claim surrounding civic neglect is undermining their efforts and damaging business prospects.Sarabjit Singh, an industrialist in Phase VII, said hosting international buyers is becoming increasingly uncomfortable due to the unhygienic surroundings. “When we bring clients to the factory, we find it difficult to even choose a route because most roads are covered in litter. We often have to pull down the car shades, making excuses about the heat just to hide the surroundings. It is embarrassing,” he said.He added that attracting new clients in a competitive global market is already challenging, and such conditions further discourage potential partners. “We talk about bringing investment, but basic infrastructure like clean roads and waste management is missing. These things matter to buyers,” he said.Beyond the aesthetics, the garbage has become a health hazard. Another industrialist pointed out that staff and workers, particularly those on two-wheelers and bicycles, are vulnerable to the unsanitary conditions.Industrialists urged the authorities to ensure regular garbage lifting, take strict action against units dumping waste on roads, and improve monitoring. Manjit Singh Deol, who runs a bicycle unit in Phase VI, said the focal points themselves have become a liability. “Taking anyone to the facility ruins the first impression. Many units, including dyeing factories, dump waste on roads at night and no one checks them,” he said.He further noted that encroachments and slums in and around the industrial areas have worsened the situation. “We want partnerships and joint ventures, but the surroundings do not support those goals,” he added.While the government highlights the “ease of doing business,” industrialists maintained that basic issues like sanitation and enforcement against illegal dumping remain unresolved, casting a shadow over Punjab’s image as an investment destination.
