Mohali: The environment protection committee Thursday raised the long-festering garbage crisis in Mohali with Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, urging his intervention for shifting the municipal garbage processing site near Kambali village and finding a permanent solution to the city’s waste management problem.A delegation of the committee met the governor and highlighted what it described as the worsening conditions at the site along the Jagatpura railway line, where waste from across the city is allegedly being brought and dumped. According to the delegation, the growing garbage mound has become a major environmental and public health concern, triggering persistent foul smell and respiratory discomfort for residents of nearby localities.The committee also flagged a potential aviation safety issue, claiming the garbage heap is attracting a large number of birds in the vicinity of the flight path of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, increasing the risk of bird strikes.Members told the governor that they have repeatedly taken up the issue with the Mohali mayor, MLA Kulwant Singh, deputy commissioner, local bodies minister, MP Malvinder Singh Kang, the Punjab Pollution Control Board, airport authorities and the state govt, besides submitting written representations seeking relocation of the site.However, they alleged that no effective action has been taken so far and that the garbage mound continues to expand even as complaints from residents mount.Seeking urgent intervention, the delegation urged the governor to ensure the facility is shifted from its present location and that a long-term waste management plan is put in place. The governor assured the members that the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken, they said.Former councillor Kulwant Singh Kler, committee president Gurmail Singh Maujewal, Bakshish Singh and Onkar Singh were among those who met the governor.Why Residents Are Raising Alarm• Public health concern: Residents complain of persistent foul smell and breathing difficulties• Growing waste mountain: Committee alleges garbage from across Mohali is being dumped at the site, causing the mound to expand• Airport safety worry: Increased bird activity near the dump has sparked concerns over possible bird strikes for aircraft
