Ludhiana, May 11 -- A key stretch linking Sherpur to Basti Jodhewal on the national highway has become a stark example of civic neglect, with piles of garbage openly dumped along the roadside near the bridge, say city residents. They say the situation worsens during rainy days when plastic waste, polythene bags, food leftovers, clothes and household trash could be seen scattered across the edge of the slippery carriageway, creating a safety hazard for commuters.

The garbage, piled up dangerously close to the road railing, has narrowed the usable roadside space and raised concerns among motorists, especially two-wheeler riders using the stretch during wet weather conditions.

The garbage crisis had earlier drawn criticism after Ludhiana r...