Garbage management uphill task in Malerkotla

Solid waste management remains the biggest impediment in implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission in localities falling under all three divisions of Malerkotla district.

Acknowledging inadequate infrastructure and unavailability of proper space for garbage disposal as major factors for compounding the situation, officials claimed to have roped in office-bearers of sanitation workers’ outfits to put in extra efforts to deal with the situation.

“Though we have tried to resolve issues related to garbage dumps and inadequate infrastructure, we have also motivated sweepers to understand that they are the real frontline warriors to upgrade the image of the MC,” said Ahmedgarh Municipal Council president Vikas Krishan Sharma.

He appreciated that almost all members of the sanitation department worked overtime on holidays to clear the heaps of garbage, which had mushroomed in past few days.

Earlier, some councillors, owing allegiance to opposition parties, had threatened to launch an agitation on the issue.

Residents regretted that the authorities had failed to make use of facilities available under the Swachh Bharat Mission for the cleanliness drive. “Though officials have been organising workshops and seminars to sensitise residents on the need to stop use of non-biodegradable materials, banned plastics are being used with impunity,” said a local resident while urging the authorities to ensure that guidelines on segregation of waste were implemented in letter and spirit.

Leaders of the Safai Mazdoor Union said they would help the administration in its endeavour to keep the area clean.

“We also urge the authorities to provide infrastructure for segregation and disposal of the garbage,” said Chaman Lal Dulla, president, Safai Mazdoor Union.