BMC officials on toes ahead of Swachh team's visit

MUMBAI: Unlike previous years when the BMC would be informed in advance about the arrival of Swachh Survekshan inspectors, this year it will be a surprise visit. Therefore, all BMC officials have been told to be ready for an undercover inspection by assessors, which could occur any day before January 31. Last year, Mumbai was ranked 18 among India’s cities in the nationwide survey but was given the title of the cleanest state capital, drawing criticism from some quarters on the grounds that the city’s hygiene and sanitation standards continued to be as poor as ever.

Till last year, BMC officials would take the assessors, sent by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (which conducts the survey), around, irrespective of the location: whether a slum or a high-rise. Another difference this year is that survey carries 5,000 marks, 1,000 more than in 2018. “Of this, 1,250 marks will be for direct observation by the assessors. This would include segregation and processing of waste by bulk generators (hotels, big housing societies, etc) and small buildings as well,” said a civic official.



Sometime ago, the BMC gave itself a three-star rating (on a scale of seven) in the self-assessment category. The star rating protocol includes components such as cleanliness of drains and water bodies, plastic waste management, and managing construction and demolition waste, which are critical drivers for achieving garbage-free cities.



Corporator Rais Shaikh, who is the opposition Samajwadi Party leader in the BMC, said that for a city with huge financial resources, a three star rating is too low. “Unlike many other cities, our civic body can provide required infrastructure for adequate waste segregation. But this is not being done.”