Expressing serious concerns over unhygienic conditions and public health risks, Advocate Vikram Dutta has approached the Permanent Lok Adalat in Jalandhar, seeking urgent intervention against the Municipal Corporation’s alleged inaction regarding a large garbage dump on the city’s old GT Road. The site — located directly opposite RCMP Crockery Store and Kay Pee Bakery — lies in the heart of a busy commercial area and has reportedly become a significant public nuisance.

The legal application, filed under Sections 22-B and 22-C of the Legal Services Authorities Act, was submitted by Dutta through his counsel, Advocate JP Singh. The petition calls for immediate and binding directions to the civic authorities to remove the garbage, clean the area, and maintain hygiene standards consistently.

According to the application, the garbage dump has been expanding for years, now emitting an unbearable stench, creating unsanitary conditions, and posing health hazards to nearby residents and businesses.

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Dutta, a resident of Defence Colony and a self-described public-spirited citizen, stated that he recently visited the site to make purchases and was appalled by the unhygienic environment.

“It’s hard to believe this is the main road of a city like Jalandhar. The stench is so overwhelming that passersby cover their noses, and shopkeepers are struggling to operate in such conditions,” said Advocate JP Singh, representing the petitioner.

“Despite repeated verbal complaints via the Municipal Corporation’s helpline and personal visits to their office, no action has been taken,” he added.

The application argues that the Municipal Corporation, despite its statutory obligations under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, has “miserably failed” to manage waste and maintain cleanliness. Photographic evidence submitted with the petition reportedly shows garbage strewn across the roadside, leading to fly infestations, foul odors, and hazardous sanitary conditions. The location is a major commercial hub and a heavily trafficked route used by thousands daily.

After reviewing the arguments, the Permanent Lok Adalat admitted the case and issued a notice to the Municipal Corporation, requiring its appearance before the Bench on June 2. In addition to seeking the immediate removal of the garbage, the petition also demands long-term measures to ensure ongoing cleanliness in the interest of public health and civic responsibility.

“This issue goes beyond one location — it highlights systemic neglect in urban governance. When citizens have to approach the courts just to get garbage removed, it underlines the urgency of addressing failures in civic administration,” Dutta said. He expressed hope that the upcoming hearing on June 2 would shed light on the Municipal Corporation’s response and whether any remedial action has been taken since the petition’s filing.