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Ludhiana: ₹22 crore dung collection project stalled as MC dairy owners lock horns
The project was aimed at streamlining dung collection and preventing waste from flowing into the Buddha Nullah
Three months after the municipal corporation awarded a ₹22-crore contract for door-to-door collection of cow dung, the project remains stalled due to a standoff between dairy owners and the contractor, with waste continuing to choke streets in Haibowal and the Tajpur Road dairy complex.
The project was aimed at streamlining dung collection and preventing waste from flowing into the Buddha Nullah. However, heaps of dung and slurry continue to spill onto roads and drains, highlighting gaps in implementation.
As per tender conditions, dairy owners are required to place dung outside their premises for collection. Civic body officials said non-compliance by dairy owners has led to a breakdown of the system.
Dairy owners, however, said dumping dung outside is not feasible in congested areas due to narrow lanes and lack of space. They said such practices obstruct movement and disrupt daily operations, particularly in areas like Tajpur Road.
With both sides holding their ground, residents continue to face unhygienic conditions as waste accumulates in lanes and drains. The situation has also contributed to pollution in the Buddha Nullah, undermining ongoing clean-up efforts.
The issue has persisted for years in Ludhiana’s dairy clusters, where hundreds of units operate in congested localities. In the absence of an effective collection system earlier, dairy owners often disposed of waste in open areas or allowed slurry to flow into drains.
Despite multiple clean-up drives and interventions, including those led by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, the inflow of dairy waste into the Buddha Nullah has not been effectively checked.
The ₹22-crore contract, awarded earlier this year, was seen as a key step to address the problem. However, its lack of progress has raised concerns over planning and execution.
Residents and activists have questioned the expenditure, citing the absence of visible results even after three months. The contractor has also not commenced full-scale operations, citing non-cooperation from dairy owners.
MC commissioner Neeru Katyal said a meeting has been scheduled on Thursday and strict action will be taken against non-compliant dairy owners.
However, with previous meetings yielding no resolution, the project remains stalled, leaving residents to deal with the consequences.
