Several projects by the civic body in Ludhiana are approaching inauguration and will soon be accessible to the public. Among these are the construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing plant, an all-weather swimming pool, and a basketball court, each progressing under distinct timelines and schemes.
The C&D waste plant, located in Dhandhari, has been under development for several years. Initially planned as part of the Smart City Mission, the project was later shifted under the Swachh Bharat Mission due to changes in cost estimates and modifications in its execution framework. The original cost of the plant was set at Rs 2.69 crore. However, after a site survey revealed the allocated land was a dumpsite, the civic body was required to clear debris and construct pillars to stabilize the foundation. These factors contributed to an increase in the overall cost.
Eventually, the plant contract was awarded at Rs 7.30 crore, with an additional Rs 2.20 crore sanctioned for the purchase of machinery under the Smart City Mission. According to municipal officials, the plant has been designed to handle at least 100 tons of C&D waste daily. The operational model involves crushing the waste on-site, after which the contractor will process the material to manufacture products such as tiles and other reusable components.
Ludhiana has witnessed rapid construction in recent years, leading to unmanaged piles of rubble across various areas. Though the civic body attempted to identify designated disposal points, these measures did not succeed in controlling unregulated dumping. In many parts of the city, rubble is still found dumped along roadsides and even within green belt zones. Officials hope the new plant will reduce this practice by providing a consistent waste processing and recycling facility.
In addition to the waste plant, the civic body has completed work on the all-weather swimming pool located near Rakh Bagh. This project was developed at a cost of Rs 5.82 crore under the Smart City Mission. Previously, swimming options during winter months were limited in Ludhiana, with only private clubs offering such facilities. The new pool, adjacent to the existing municipal swimming pool, features varying depths from 4.5 feet to 6 feet. Officials expect this to provide continuous practice opportunities for local athletes and residents.
Meanwhile, construction of the basketball court at Guru Nanak Stadium is nearing completion. Developed under the Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs 14.38 crore, the court has faced multiple delays. Two courts are nearly finished, while minor works are pending. Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal confirmed that additional time is needed to make the facility ready for public use.
Dachalwal stated that the civic body has already begun trial operations of the C&D waste plant and confirmed the swimming pool is operational. Regarding the basketball court, he noted the project will be completed in due course.
The civic body has invested in several sports facilities in recent years, including a table tennis court and other venues, to promote recreational and sporting activities. Discussions are underway to transfer operational management of these facilities to private agencies, with officials stating that outsourcing maintenance could ensure better upkeep and continued use.
City residents and construction industry representatives have long sought a permanent solution to construction debris issues, and the new waste plant is expected to address this need. As authorities prepare to commission these projects, they will also face the challenge of ensuring effective management, continued operation, and public participation in maintaining the new infrastructure.
