Jalandhar, October 28: Residents of Ward No. 60 staged a protest on the Jalandhar-Kapurthala Road on Wednesday, raising serious concerns over the movement of garbage-laden tractor-trolleys and tipper vehicles through the area. Frustrated by what they described as dangerous driving practices and the growing risk of road accidents, residents placed stones on the road and blocked traffic to draw the attention of the municipal authorities. The protest ended after senior officials reached the location and assured the residents that their grievances would be addressed.
The demonstration was organised by local residents who alleged that vehicles transporting municipal waste frequently travelled through the area at excessive speeds. According to the protesters, some drivers also used the wrong side of the road, creating hazardous conditions for motorists, pedestrians and people living along the busy route. Residents maintained that the movement of these heavy vehicles had become a serious safety concern and that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent further accidents.
As dissatisfaction grew, residents gathered on the Jalandhar-Kapurthala Road and placed stones across a section of the carriageway, temporarily stopping the movement of vehicles. The road blockade affected traffic and brought attention to the concerns raised by the community. Protesters said their demonstration was intended to highlight the risks associated with the movement of garbage transport vehicles rather than oppose municipal waste collection itself.
Residents alleged that the situation had become particularly worrying because of incidents involving garbage trolleys and tipper vehicles. They questioned why vehicles involved in waste transportation were allegedly being driven against traffic rules on a public road. The protesters demanded better monitoring of their movement and measures to ensure that drivers follow appropriate speed limits and remain on the correct side of the road.
After receiving information about the demonstration, Municipal Corporation officials, local councillor Gurpreet Singh and ACP West Atish Bhatia reached the protest site along with police personnel. The officials interacted with residents and listened to their concerns regarding road safety and the movement of garbage-carrying vehicles. Their arrival opened the way for discussions aimed at resolving the immediate situation and restoring normal traffic.
During the interaction, residents sought assurances that the authorities would address the unsafe driving practices they had highlighted. They urged officials to take steps to regulate garbage transportation vehicles and ensure that road users were not exposed to unnecessary risks. The representatives present at the location assured the protesters that their complaints would be examined and appropriate measures considered.
Following the assurances, residents agreed to remove the blockade and reopen the Jalandhar-Kapurthala Road. Traffic movement was subsequently restored, bringing the immediate demonstration to an end. However, protesters made it clear that their concerns had not disappeared and that they expected the authorities to take meaningful steps rather than limit their response to verbal assurances.
The residents also warned that they could organise a larger protest if the problem remained unresolved. They maintained that road safety should be treated as a priority, particularly on routes regularly used by heavy vehicles. According to the protesters, continued violations could put more road users at risk, making preventive action essential.
The protest has highlighted the challenges of managing municipal waste transportation alongside everyday traffic in densely populated parts of Jalandhar. While the movement of garbage vehicles is necessary for maintaining sanitation services, residents have called for greater attention to how these vehicles operate on public roads and whether adequate precautions are being followed.
Although the road has reopened, the residents are now awaiting further action from the authorities. No specific deadline for implementing corrective measures was confirmed in the available information. The effectiveness of the assurances given during Wednesday's demonstration will depend on whether the reported road safety concerns are addressed in the coming days.
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