World Environment Day: Pawan Dewan slams PPCB, MC Ludhiana over city's sanitation crisis; says symbolic observances serve no purpose

Ludhiana, June 5, 2026: On the occasion of World Environment Day, senior Congress leader and former Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan, launched a scathing attack on the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC), alleging that both agencies have miserably failed in their duty to make Ludhiana clean, green and environmentally sustainable.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dewan expressed serious concern over the deteriorating sanitation and environmental conditions in Punjab's industrial capital, particularly in the Ludhiana West Assembly constituency. He said it was unfortunate that while authorities mark World Environment Day with speeches and symbolic programmes, the ground reality continues to paint a grim picture of civic neglect and administrative failure.
Dewan said Ludhiana, one of Punjab's most important cities and a major economic hub, has for decades been grappling with the menace of garbage dumps, poor waste management and an inefficient sewerage system. "Despite repeated promises by successive governments and civic authorities, heaps of garbage continue to greet residents in almost every nook and corner of the city, especially in several areas of Ludhiana West. The situation has reached alarming proportions," he said.
The Congress leader pointed out that the faulty sewerage network and frequent overflowing of sewer lines have made life miserable for residents. He said roads and streets remain inundated with sewage water at several places, while the foul smell emanating from overflowing drains has become a daily ordeal for people. "The authorities concerned appear to be completely indifferent to the hardships being faced by the public. Such apathy is unacceptable in a city that contributes significantly to Punjab's economy," he remarked.
Quoting the Swachh Survekshan 2025 report, Dewan said it was deeply embarrassing that Ludhiana had been ranked as the second dirtiest city in the country. He said the ranking exposed the glaring shortcomings of the Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments in ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness.
"The fact that Ludhiana has figured among the dirtiest cities in India is a damning indictment of the functioning of the civic administration. The inability to provide basic sanitation facilities and maintain cleanliness reflects a highly irresponsible attitude on the part of those entrusted with public welfare," he said.
Dewan further said that with the Halwara International Airport now operational, Punjab has a golden opportunity to strengthen its image before the world. However, he questioned the impression that visitors and NRIs would carry back if they were welcomed by scenes of garbage dumps, unattended biomedical waste, overflowing sewerage and unhygienic surroundings.
"Thousands of passengers from across India and abroad will now be arriving through Halwara Airport. What message are we sending to them when they witness mountains of garbage, sewage water accumulated on roads and poor civic infrastructure? Such conditions not only tarnish the image of Ludhiana but also bring disrepute to Punjab as a whole," he said.
Dewan asserted that environmental protection cannot be achieved through tokenism alone. "Observing World Environment Day symbolically serves no purpose unless governments and civic agencies demonstrate genuine commitment towards environmental conservation, sanitation and sustainable urban development. People need results on the ground, not ceremonial events and photo opportunities," he added.
Calling for immediate intervention, Dewan urged the Punjab Government, PPCB and Municipal Corporation authorities to act on a war footing to address the city's sanitation and pollution-related issues. He said there was an urgent need for scientific waste management, strengthening of sewerage infrastructure and effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
Dewan further stated that with barely eight months left in the tenure of the present government, the people of Punjab were closely watching the pathetic performance of the AAP government. He said if the government and the concerned authorities failed to address these pressing issues, the Congress, after forming the government next year, would undertake a comprehensive drive to transform Punjab's cities.
"We are committed to making Punjab cleaner, greener and more beautiful. After assuming power, the Congress government will ensure that Ludhiana, particularly Ludhiana West, emerges as a model constituency in terms of cleanliness, beautification and environmental sustainability. The people deserve better living conditions and we will work tirelessly to provide them," Dewan said.