Focus on waste audit, segregation and management in 100-day municipal action plan
Waste audit of assessing the quantity and types of waste generated in a specific area, waste segregation and sustainable waste management practices will be the main focus of the 100-day action plan initiated by the government for improving conditions in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs, apart from the GHMC) across the State on the Telangana State Formation Day from June 2.
The plan cleared by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who also holds the municipal administration and urban development department, includes identifying gaps in segregation, reducing waste reduction, recycling and better disposal practices. The audit will be to assess waste composition, identify gaps in segregation at every major source like a school, market, commercial area etc., informed top officials.
It is to help in recommending strategies for waste reduction, recycling, and better disposal practices. Householders will also be encouraged to separate wet and dry waste at the source itself with separate bins. Local bodies have been directed to promote composting of organic waste to reduce landfill problem burden and also generate compost at the household/community level. Composting units will be set up in schools to process organic waste like food and garden waste, they said.
Sanitary workers at all levels will be profiled to ensure they get their dues, including ESI/PF benefits, even as health camps will be held. The action plan also involves fixing iron mesh over open drains to prevent the entry of solid waste – a major issue of municipalities - reduce blockages and enhance cleanliness. Desiltation of storm water drains, removal of debris to prevent water logging is also on cards.
Apart from reworking the street vending units and testing for food quality, street food festivals are to be conducted. The ULBs have been told to promote urban greenery and beautification efforts like development of at least one traffic junction and a park.
The 'Bhuvan' survey for identification of unassessed and under assessed properties to bring them in tax net is being revived as part of the drive in association with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Identifying commercial and mixed properties lacking trade licences and collecting fee, door-to-door survey of all water supply house service connections for ward wise enumeration, and so on are among the activities earmarked during this period, they added.
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