‘Pune municipal corporation plans to process 100 per cent garbage by 2022’

Q. What kind of challenges are you facing after taking charge? 
A. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Suresh Jagtap was handling the department earlier. He has established a system in the city. Now, the charge has been handed over to me. 

Now, I have a challenge to create awareness in people about cleanliness and their involvement in the cleanliness drive. I also have to implement solid waste 2016 rules of PMC in the city and make city clean. 

The other challenges are to make 100 per cent garbage processing by 2022, as per our affidavit filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), make 100 per cent house to house garbage collection with dry and waste segregation. 

Right now, we have short term goal to improve Pune city’s ranking in Swachh Survekshan in the country. We are anticipating Pune will be among the first three. Right now, we are in the 10th position. 

Q. Do you have enough manpower to tackle this huge task?
A. We have increased number of employees in solid waste management department for cleaning of city. Earlier, there was one deputy sanitary inspector (DSI) in each ward. Now, there are two DSIs in each ward. PMC has a staff of 7,000 for conservancy. Out of that, We have taken 3,200 on contract basis. Besides, there are more than 3000 SWach staffers collecting garbage house to house. We have requested SWach to increase their staff. Now, there are more than 14,000 staffers in the field. 

Q. Do you think only excessive manpower can solve garbage problem? 
A. Absolutely not. It is a supportive mechanism. But, people involvement and changing their mindset is a major step in cleanliness. Swachh Survekshan is a short term target. We want to continue this tempo to overcome the city’s garbage problem. We have started cleanliness awareness programme by holding meetings of different strata of society. 

People should have to be convinced that keeping the area clean is their duty. That is only way to solve garbage problem in the city. Our city is most liveable city in the country. Now, We want to achieve the status of most sustainable city in garbage management.

Q. Tell something about a selfie with conservancy staff initiative and its impact on work? 
A. I have started an initiative of selfie with conservancy staff to boost their morale. Conservancy staff is the backbone of cleanliness. They are keeping our city clean without any complaints. They start their work early in the morning and it is very difficult task. 

Unfortunately, no one gives them  recognition. I started the initiative and conservancy staff is very happy with it. All PMC officials and prominent people are clicking selfies. 

Now, they are working enthusiastically and their performance has improved. Some staff members shared their experience that people are now speaking politely to them. People are paying monthly charges (as per PMC’s law) for collecting garbage door to door. Earlier, it was not happening.