In a decisive move to bolster cleanliness and improve solid waste management, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh has declared the segregation of waste mandatory for every household and commercial establishment in the city.
Strict Directives and Hefty Penalties Announced
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar issued clear instructions on Monday, directing the medical officer of health and all staff involved in door-to-door garbage collection. The directive states that only segregated waste will be lifted by the MC's collection vehicles. Commissioner Kumar emphasized that handing over mixed, non-segregated waste will now attract penalties under the relevant sections of the Municipal Corporation Act.
The financial disincentives are significant. Penalties ranging from ₹500 to a steep ₹13,500 per violation will be imposed on defaulters found giving unsegregated waste. To ensure the rule is strictly followed, drivers of garbage collection vehicles have been given a crucial task.
They have been instructed to maintain a register to note the details of households and commercial entities that fail to provide properly separated waste. This record will be used for enforcement actions.
Two-Pronged Strategy: Awareness and Enforcement
Commissioner Amit Kumar outlined a twin approach to ensure the success of this initiative. On one hand, the MC will intensify its IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities to educate and sensitize citizens about the importance and methods of waste segregation at source.
Simultaneously, a strict enforcement regime will be implemented. Random checks will be conducted by officers at all levels to monitor compliance. The commissioner also warned that strict action would be taken against any MC employee found violating or ignoring these instructions.
Call for Public Cooperation
The Municipal Corporation has made an appeal to all residents and business owners in Chandigarh. They are urged to cooperate with the new system by diligently segregating their wet and dry waste at the point of generation itself. This cooperation is vital for the city's broader goals of enhanced sanitation, efficient waste processing, and a cleaner urban environment.
This move marks a significant step in Chandigarh's journey towards a more systematic and sustainable waste management framework, aligning with national cleanliness missions.
