GMC draws flak over irregular garbage collection

Guwahati: Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is facing severe criticism from citizens over irregular garbage collection and other issues. The sophisticated QR code-aided door-to-door garbage collection system launched in 2023 remains dormant, causing difficulties for households.
The NGOs responsible for waste collection on behalf of GMC lack punctuality, resulting in waste overflow and unsanitary conditions for the households. Residents are encountering impediments in disposing of their waste.
A member of the Beltola Survey apartment society, speaking to TOI on condition of anonymity, said, "Waste is collected two or three times a week. Earlier, they used to come regularly but now not any more. We pay them an amount of Rs 1000 per month. However, the the dalay creates waste management problems."
Japorigog resident Munmi Gogoi said, "Earlier, waste was collected every 14 to 20 days. Now, it is done once every week. However, this is not enough as it still results in an overflow of waste, causing significant problems for waste disposal."
Under Guwahati's waste management system, NGOs are responsible for the primary door-to-door waste collection in 60 wards. The collected waste is subsequently transferred to GMC's refuse bins. GMC then conducts secondary collection and transports the garbage to the Solid Waste Management Project at Boragaon for disposal.
GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania told TOI, "We are facing difficulties in primary waste collection as the NGOs delay collection. Additionally, the vehicles are old and need to be sent for repairs. Once these problems are resolved, delays in collection will also be resolved. We have assigned executive officers for primary collection. We will also appoint 30 sanitary inspectors for proper monitoring for every ward."
GMC has implemented a new measure to monitor waste collection, which is yet to be implemented. In 2023, GMC launched a QR code-aided system that is no longer operational. "Earlier, we issued QR codes but people refused to put them up. Now, we have decided to provide digitalised number plates that will include a QR code. It will take 7 to 8 months to be implemented and will cover about 3.5 lakh households."