RMC's ‘Swachh Ward' competition faces flak as waste piles up on streets

Time of India

5 days ago

Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation's (RMC) much-publicised 'Swachh Ward' competition, launched to encourage cleanliness and citizen participation, is facing criticism as several wards remain littered with garbage.
Residents of Hindpiri, Line Tank Road, Tharpakna, and Bariatu came down heavily on the civic body and claimed waste collection measures in their respective localities have crumbled.
"In our area, garbage piles remain for days, drains are clogged, and the smell is constant. They say they won't pick up garbage because we give them mixed dry and wet waste. Whether it's Hindpiri, Line Tank, Tharpakna, or Bariatu, residents are living with the same neglect," said Manoj Das, a resident of Tharpakna.
Launched on August 1 under the theme 'Mera Ward, Mera Garv' (My Ward, My Pride), the initiative aims to improve sanitation standards through a competitive model. Under the plan, municipal public servants (MPS) must maintain their wards according to set parameters, invite weekly inspections, and score at least 60% marks to qualify. The evaluation covers waste segregation, drain cleanliness, quick grievance resolution, cleanliness of public areas, PPE compliance by sanitation workers, and cutting of grass.
Ground scenario, however, tells a different story.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Niharika Tirkey acknowledged the gaps and said corrective measures are being initiated. "A jury including will inspect wards and assess hygiene levels. But the drive's success also depends on residents and how clean they keep their premises," she said.
RMC has urged citizens to actively participate in the campaign by monitoring ward cleanliness and cooperating with sanitation staff. "Only if wards are clean can the entire city be clean," she added.
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