LUDHIANA: After considerable delays due to funding issues, local opposition, objections from a ruling party MLA, and construction setbacks, the new construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing plant in Dhandhari is finally operational. However, it now faces a new challenge: insufficient waste is being delivered to the facility.
The plant, intended to process C&D waste from across the city, has been active for almost a month, but the amount of waste received remains low, according to city officials. They are now exploring alternative locations to facilitate the dumping of C&D waste before it is transported to the plant.
The civic body reports that previous designated dumping areas for C&D waste have either been altered or are no longer available. Consequently, they have tasked the building branch with identifying four land parcels—one in each district—to establish new dumping sites, guiding residents away from leaving debris on roads, green belts, or other public spaces.
City officials stated that staffing issues that previously hindered the plant’s operation have been resolved. However, waste collection remains inadequate. Although the Municipal Corporation claims it is sending C&D waste from its demolition activities, they acknowledge it is not enough for efficient plant operation. Contractors have been directed to deliver waste from their sites to the plant as stipulated in their work orders, yet many are not following through.
A senior official, who requested anonymity, indicated plans for establishing official collection points for residents to deposit waste, which will then be taken to the plant. This initiative aims to reduce random dumping across the city.
Previously, the civic body had designated six locations to help prevent construction waste dumping in parks and green belts, namely on Chandigarh Road, Dhandhari Kalan, Rahon Road, Barewal, Jugiana, and Kanganwal. However, debris continues to be found near Buddha Dariya and in areas such as Model Town Extension and Dugri. Officials now report that these sites are either full or currently being repurposed.
With the Dhandhari plant functioning but underutilized, city authorities are actively working to identify new dumping sites to ensure a consistent supply of waste and address the ongoing challenge of uncontrolled C&D dumping.
