Jalandhar DC, MC review solid waste mgmt initiatives

Jalandhar, August 29

Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal along with Commissioner of Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Gautam Jain today conducted a comprehensive review of the city’s solid waste management measures. The review focused on the implementation of solid waste management rules and outlined new initiatives to make Jalandhar a cleaner and greener city.

Dr Aggarwal issued directives to the departments to step up efforts to keep the city clean, green and pollution-free.

During the meeting, the DC announced the setting up of a new windrow compost plant in the Gadaipur area, which will have the capacity to process 65 to 70 tonnes of wet waste daily. This plant will convert wet waste into compost for various uses.

Additionally, the appearance of the existing compost pits at Pholriwal, Basti Sheikh, Dakoha and Barring will be improved.

The review meeting also discussed the plan to establish mobile transfer stations and new transfer station facilities across various locations in the city to enhance the efficiency of the solid waste management.

Dr Aggarwal instructed officials to expedite visits to the proposed sites on Hoshiarpur Road, 120 Feet Road, Kapurthala Road and Nakodar Road to facilitate the launch of the next phase of the project.

Further, the DC directed the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) to ensure that all licensed colonies in the city have proper solid waste management units, as mandated by the government.

He also instructed officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to utilise plastic waste in road construction according to specifications and ensure that the roads remain garbage-free.

In addition, he called upon the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to enforce strict compliance with bio-waste management norms in all hospitals across the district, warning of stringent action against violators.

In another significant development, the DC instructed the MC to launch a special drive to enroll all rag pickers under the E-Shram scheme.

This initiative aims to provide financial benefits, including an ex gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh to rag pickers. Special enrollment camps will be organised at dumpsites and rag pickers can also register at Common Service Centers.

These initiatives are part of the district administration’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management and environmental sustainability in Jalandhar.