Local Bodies Minister Ravjot Singh expressed serious concern over the poor sanitation conditions in Patiala during a surprise visit on Wednesday. He warned the municipal officials of strict action if immediate improvements weren’t made.

The minister inspected several garbage collection sites in the city and was visibly disappointed. “The situation is very bad. There’s garbage everywhere,” he said. “Patiala is a historic city—I expected better. Even smaller towns are doing a better job.”

He was joined by Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairperson Reena Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Paramvir Singh, and Mayor Kundan Gogia.

During the visit, Singh questioned the municipal staff and asked the MC Commissioner and Mayor why the city’s sanitation was in such poor shape. He emphasized that if things don’t improve soon, strict action will be taken.

“This is the rainy season. Piles of garbage and poor cleanliness can easily lead to disease outbreaks,” he said.

He added that he would visit the city again soon to review the progress and speak to local residents.

This visit comes as the civic body faces criticism following a diarrhoea outbreak in the region. Four people have died and over 100 have fallen ill in Alipur Araian, while one death and 20 illness cases have been reported from Changera village near Banur.