Ludhiana 34th in cities with above 10L people

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 20

The Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, has won the award of Best Big City in the Innovation and Best Practices (10-40 lakh population category) in the Swachh Survekshan-2020. The city also ranked 34 out of 47 cities (with population above 10 lakh) in the country.

Ludhiana has got 3,113.06 marks (51.88%) out of 6,000 marks. Notably, Ludhiana had ranked 163 (out of 425 cities) by getting 2,523 score (50.46%) out of 5,000 marks in Swachh Survekshan 2019.

A total of 118 cities, having population between 1-10 lakh, obtained more marks than Ludhiana. Three cities of Punjab (with 1-10 lakh population), including Bathinda got 3,526.68 marks, Patiala scored 3,467.35 and Ferozepur got 3,389.71 marks which are higher than the marks obtained by Ludhiana (3,113.06 marks).

There were two cities, including Ludhiana (34) and Amritsar (39), of Punjab in the category of above 10 lakh population. Thus, Ludhiana ranks first out of two cities in Punjab in this category.

The cities have been accessed on four parameters – direct observation, citizen feedback, service level progress and certification – each carrying maximum 1,500 marks.

Need to improve solid waste management

The uncovered garbage dumps are a major issue in the city. To deal with this problem, the project to set up static waste compactors at various locations in the city was earlier launched but it is going on at a snail’s pace. In a number of areas such as Giaspura, Dhandari, Sherpur, EWS Colony in outer areas, the cleanliness was generally ignored and the residents were forced to live in poor sanitary conditions.

The civic body is yet to ensure door-to-door collection and segregation of waste in a proper manner. The MC had earlier started mechanical sweeping on some major roads but it was later stopped. “There is a need to streamline the solid waste management system in the city. The processing of waste should also be done in a right manner by the firm concerned. All sewerage treatment plants should be properly functional and rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah is also very necessary. Mechanical sweeping is also required for the city,” said an official.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu congratulated Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu and MC Commissioner Pardeep Kumar Sabharwal on the feat.

Mayor congratulates residents, officials

While congratulating residents and officials on the achievement, Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu said, “It is a big day for the city. The award is the result of the hard work done by safai karamcharis under the guidance of MC officials and the support of House members and residents.

We will take all required steps to improve the solid waste management system. Static waste compactors will be installed by December 2020.”