Jalandhar: Most bulk generators not managing waste on their own

Aakanksha N Bhardwaj

Jalandhar, February 29

A very small number of bulk waste generators in the city have been managing garbage on their own. According to Solid Waste Management Rules, they are required to manage wet waste by the process of composting.

Despite several campaigns, warnings and announcements regarding issuing challans to violators, no change has been observed on the ground.

Today, a challan was issued after wet waste was being disposed of near Dakoha dump in the city. A fine of Rs 2,000 was imposed in this case. As per information, the waste had come from a hotel. Hotels, restaurants, dhabas, etc., fall under the category of ‘bulk waste generators’.

MC Joint Commissioner Puneet Sharma claimed that it was being continuously ensured that there was no violation of norms. “Challans will be imposed against violators as teams will be more vigilant now. Proper strictness will be followed in this regard. NGOs and other organisations will be approached to teach technical know-how and services for managing waste,” he added.

Notably, the MC often holds meetings with bulk generators of waste, and sometimes the MC Health Team also holds surprise checking at various hotel and restaurants to check if norms are being followed.

However, these measures are proving insufficient to address the issue. The former chairman of Health and Sanitation Adhoc Committee had three years ago said only 43 of 128 such bulk waste generators were making manure from wet waste.