Waste segregation: MC to seek councillors’ help for public awareness

Ludhiana: Having failed in making people aware regarding segregation of waste at source, civic authorities are now planning to take help from councillors of 95 wards of the city. The MC has set a deadline to achieve 100% segregation of waste by March-end on the directions of a committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for solid waste management. However, it is going to be a tough task for MC, because only a few councillors showed knowledge about segregation of dry and wet waste.
The Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 and Solid Waste Management Policy of 2018 have made segregation of waste compulsory, but due to certain reasons, officials have failed in creating awareness among people. Along with this, they have failed in providing proper infrastructure to inculcate the habit among residents. In 65% of the city, the informal sector is doing door-to-door garbage collection, and the private company hired by MC, A2Z waste management, has started door-to-door collection only in 35% of the area. The vehicles being used by the company have separate arrangements for collecting dry and wet waste, but informal sector employees are not equipped with the same.

Sources revealed that residents were also not aware of the importance of segregation of waste, as they can use their kitchen waste at their home as manure, but they do not keep the waste separately. Moreover, civic authorities did not approach many residents on this issue. MC Commissioner KP Brar said now they would take help from councillors to achieve the target. She said as compared to officers, these councillors were closer to people, and if they explain to them properly, people will follow them.

Congress councillor from Ward 18, Vanit Bhatia, said: “I am aware of the segregation of waste, and in my area, I am going to get two colour dustbins installed. Along with this, if MC wants, I will organise camps to make people aware of the same.” However, BJP councillor Sonia Sharma denied having information regarding segregation of waste, and said: “I have no idea about it.” But SAD councillor Harbhajan Dang said: “We are always ready to make people aware of good things, but there is a requirement to educate councillors as well, as some of them are new, and even they do not know everything in detail. There should be classes for councillors as well.”