Mohali, April 3 -- Even as Mohali struggles under a mounting solid waste crisis, the long-pending Solid Waste Management Project at Samgoli in Dera Bassi continues to be mired in delays, leaving the city grappling with unprocessed garbage and deteriorating sanitation conditions. Though land for the project was allotted in 2012, little progress has been made over the past 14 years. The prolonged delay has resulted in garbage piling up across the city, with foul-smelling heaps becoming a common sight in residential areas, attracting flies, stray animals and posing health concerns. The crisis extends beyond MC's jurisdiction, as even areas under GMADA, as well as Dera Bassi, Kharar and Zirakpur, lack proper waste processing facilities. Large quantities of garbage are being dumped on vacant plots, at roadsides and open spaces, compounding environmental and public health risks. In Mohali city, the situation has worsened significantly after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the closure of the existing dumping ground, leaving the municipal corporation (MC) without any authorised site for waste disposal. Home to a population of 2.3 lakh, Mohali generates around 100 metric tonnes of waste daily, in addition to 60-70 metric tonnes from nearby areas. With no dumping ground and non-functional processing plants, waste management has virtually come to a standstill. Currently, the city has two garbage processing sites at Phase 5 (Shahimajra) and Phase 11 (Jagatpura), but both facilities remain non-operational despite infrastructure being in place. The Shahimajra plant has a capacity to process 40 tonnes per day, while the Jagatpura facility can handle up to 80 tonnes. However, strong opposition from nearby residents and environmental concerns have stalled their functioning. Official records reveal that while 50 acres were to be acquired for the Samgoli project in 2012, only 39 acres were secured in 2013. The remaining 11 acres are still pending with the revenue department, further delaying the project. A boundary wall has been constructed at a cost of Rs.35 lakh. The project initially envisaged a compressed bio gas (CBG) plant to be set up by MC, but officials are now planning a waste-to-energy plant for the site. Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu said the civic body had repeatedly urged authorities to fast-track the project. "We have written multiple times to expedite the Samgoli project, but there has been little movement on the ground. Mohali is overwhelmed by unprocessed waste due to the absence of a functional system. Garbage heaps are spreading across the city, creating serious health hazards. Officials continue to hold meetings, but residents are seeing no relief. Neither MC nor GMADA has been able to identify alternative land for dumping despite months of deliberations. The situation demands urgent intervention and time-bound action." A senior MC official said efforts were underway to revive the Samgoli project with a revised plan. "We are exploring the feasibility of a waste-to-energy plant at the site and expect progress soon. Tenders are likely to be floated in April," the official said....