Thane: Civic body to identify & clean trash-prone areas

THANE: Thane municipal corporation will soon start identifying and clearing spots within the city limits that are prone to dumping trash by residents in a bid to keep the city premises clean, officials informed.
As per directive issued by municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar, officials from the solid waste management have been directed to identify spots in the city especially along slum pockets where residents and commercial outlets have been dumping waste.
Officials have been asked to intensify vigil at these spots and dissuade residents from dumping waste in the open and provide alternatives. Officials added that the newly appointed commissioner wants the city to be ranked higher in the Swachh Survekshan ranking. Thane had ranked 13th this year while Navi Mumbai was at the third position. It is obvious that the administration has set its goals at upgrading the city on the list this year, said officials. It is learnt that the teams have already identified few spots across the city and are in the process of recording few more areas before they formulate scheduled drives here.
Once the spots are identified as frequent trash dumping sites, the corporation will deploy adequate manpower and machinery including collection vans to ensure timely lifting of trash and also surveillance so there is no dumping of trash at the spots later. The staff has also been instructed to deploy adequate alterative trash storage sites where these vans cannot access.
A senior official quoting from a statement said the commissioner has instructed officials to deliver results in a time bound manner and also warned the staff of action if any lapse was noticed. “A flying squad has been deputed that will work in two shifts to oversee if conservancy staff are working at designated spots and also ensure city limits are clean. Not just quick and regular disposal of trash, the staff has also been instructed to keep roads swept clean regularly, keep tabs on those burning trash, growing vegetables using sewage water, etc.,”official said.