Central team inspects public toilets

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 11

A four-member team of the Central Government today inspected various spots in the city under the Swachh Survekshan-2020. The members visited public toilets, material recovery centres and Patiala bus stand.

Results of the first two quarters of the Swachh Survekshan-2020 (April to September 2019) were declared by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on January 7.

The Patiala civic body scored 1,439.37 points. The MC stood at 199th rank in the first quarter and achieved 153rd position in the second quarter. Calculations for the third quarter (October to December) are under process.

The MC officials informed that the survey had four segments, including certification, service level progress, direct observation and feedback of citizens.

Patiala MC Commissioner Poonam Deep Kaur said, “The survey was completed on Saturday. The assessors randomly selected sample locations, took real-time pictures and submitted their observations. This year, we have applied for ODF++ category. We have worked really hard to complete all the requirements to get ODF++ certificate. We are hoping for the best.”

Civic body constructs seven MRF centres

In the run-up to the Swachh Survekshan-2020, the civic body constructed seven material recovery facility (MRF) centres to get rid of dry waste. Through these MRF centres, the MC would be able to manage 70 tonnes of dry waste produced daily.

The civic body has constructed 375 composting pits in various parts of the city to convert wet waste into compost. The city produces around 67 tonnes of wet waste every day.

To get rid of litter, underground bins have been provided at 84 locations, along with four compactors.

Apart from this, twin-bins are being installed by the MC along the main roads.

The MC Commissioner said the city has been divided into seven zones, each headed by a Sanitary Inspector, who heads a team of darogas and safai karamcharis.

She said educational institutes were encouraged to dig up pits in order to reduce wet waste.

Poonamdeep said, “The Patiala MC is celebrating month of January as “Swachh Maah.” Twenty teams have been deputed in seven zones for cleaning every nook and corner of the city.”

Utensils bank to get rid of single-use plastic

The civic body has set up a “Utensils Bank” to get rid of single-use plastic used during public functions. The MC Commissioner said masses were encouraged to use cloth bags instead of polythene.