MC intensifies segregation of waste, issues challans for single-use plastic

Aiming to create a cleaner and healthier environment with the help of local residents, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has launched a Swachhata Pakhwara. The KMC has intensified three major activities under the campaign: source segregation of waste, elimination of garbage-sensitive points and issuance of challans for single-use plastic, encroachments and littering.

KMC Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma stated that the first activity involved a public awareness campaign across all 20 wards of the MC area on the importance of source segregation of household waste. Zone in-charges, sanitation supervisors and members of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) conducted door-to-door visits on Monday, with a particular focus on engaging women. They educated residents on how to separate wet and dry waste and dispose of them correctly through municipal collection vehicles.

Dr Sharma emphasised that proper segregation not only reduces pollution and foul odours but also simplifies the recycling and recovery processes. “It facilitates the treatment of biodegradable waste and the recycling of non-biodegradable materials, enabling faster disposal,” she said.

In the second activity, garbage-sensitive points in zones 1 and 4 were identified and cleaned. A special cleanliness drive was carried out in Budhakhera village of zone 1 and the Karna Canal area of zone 4, the Commissioner added. After the cleaning exercise, local residents and shopkeepers were urged not to dump waste in the cleaned areas again. “They were also warned that any repeat offence would lead to a challan being issued,” she said.

The third activity involved inspections by sanitation team members across various parts of the main markets and roads. These inspections focused on enforcement measures under Swachhata Pakhwara, including actions against single-use plastic, encroachments and public littering. “Our purpose is to educate people to contribute to cleanliness. The team members of the KMC will visit different areas during this Pakhwara,” said Dr Sharma.

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to support the initiative.