PATNA: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a unique initiative to convert the ‘traditional dumping points’ into the ‘green sites’ in all wards, as part of its Swachh Sarvekshan Mission to make the city clean.
The PMC officials said the initiative would discourage people from littering garbage in residential areas, roads and streets. Besides, action would be taken against those caught dumping the garbage near their homes or roads.
Municipal commissioner Himanshu Sharma on Saturday said he had asked all the ward councillors to identify such spots where the residents usually dump their household garbage. “Once the list of such points is prepared, we start placing plant pots there. We have already started this initiative at a few places in ward number 21 (Punaichak) under New Capital Circle as well as in Patna City Circle,” he said.
“Anyone caught littering the garbage will be fined up to Rs500 as per the Municipal Act. Residents can also alert the civic body if they find anyone dumping the garbage on road,” Sharma said.
The aim is also to create awareness among the people to keep the city green and clean, as the central team would be here soon to inspect the city ahead of the Swachh Survekshan 2021.
Sharma said the central team is expected to visit Patna in January for the cleanliness survey and the city would be ranked on the basis of its report.
“This year, we got 1,500 points out of 6,000. However, we aim to reach 2,500 points in the 2021 Swachh Survekshan. For this, we would construct the fountains at Saidpur, Karmmalichak, Dinkar golambar and Ambedkar Golambar. Treated waste water will be used in these places. We will get some points for this technique as well,” Sharma said.
The PMC scored zero in certification category under which points were awarded to cities based on garbage-free certificates and open defecation free (ODF) this year.
The PMC commissioner said this time they sent the certification for open defecation free (ODF) to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.