Palampur MC achieves success in waste management, sanitation

The Palampur Municipal Corporation (MC) has recently completed three years in office, marking significant progress in waste collection and disposal, and elevating the standard of living in the town. With the support of the NGO “Hildhari”, the MC has sensitised the public to environmental and hygiene issues, fostering a sense of responsibility among residents for maintaining cleanliness and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Prior to 2021, Palampur had only a small municipal council, serving a population of about 3,500. Despite the town’s growth, the council’s jurisdiction hadn’t expanded in 70 years due to political interests. However, in 2021, the BJP government led by Jai Ram Thakur responded to long-standing demands by upgrading the council to a municipal corporation, merging 15 nearby panchayats into the new body. This expansion brought the total population under the MC’s jurisdiction to over 60,000, with 15 wards now making up the Palampur MC.

Previously, waste management in Palampur was inefficient, with garbage piles frequently found along roadsides and open spaces. Lacking an organised collection system, residents would often discard their household waste in banned plastic bags in public areas, creating sanitation issues.

However, Ashish Sharma, Commissioner of the Palampur MC, said immediately following the formation of the corporation, a mission was initiated to transform Palampur into a “green and clean” city. A dedicated team of Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers) was established to collect garbage from all fifteen wards daily. Although challenges arose, such as handling and processing the collected waste, the MC rapidly mobilized resources to address these issues.

One major hurdle was the condition of the garbage treatment plant, inherited from the Aima panchayat, which was in disrepair and surrounded by accumulated waste. With backing from the local MLA Ashish Butail and the Urban Development Authorities in Shimla, the MC acquired advanced machinery for scientific waste management, which helped streamline the process and make the plant operational.

Today, Palampur stands as a model of cleanliness in Himachal Pradesh. The MC has eliminated visible garbage dumps, thanks to the efforts of 100 safai karamcharis, supported by supervisors and a fleet of vehicles. Waste is now regularly collected and deposited at designated sites, and the MC Commissioner has made his mobile number publicly available for resident concerns, ensuring accountability.

Palampur MC Mayor Gopal Nag highlighted that garbage disposal was initially a daunting task, but effective management has now minimised waste at the source through segregation into wet and dry categories. Community workshops have been held to educate residents on waste segregation, which has contributed to the town’s improved cleanliness. Additionally, the MC has installed paver tiles on streets and added street lights across all fifteen wards, further enhancing the infrastructure.

Neelam Sood and KB Ralham, leaders of the NGO People’s Voice, commended the MC’s efforts. They emphasised the importance of a people-centered approach to waste management and suggested that sanitation workers should build rapport with residents to encourage continued waste segregation. Through collaboration and community involvement, Palampur has set a benchmark for other cities in Himachal Pradesh in environmental care and urban sanitation.