Latest news with #DMC
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Dehradun civic body to roll out rebate-linked waste policy: Commissioner
Dehradun municipal commissioner Namami Bansal, in an interview with TOI's Tanmayee Tyagi, acknowledged that improvements are needed in the civic body's handling of door-to-door waste collection and source segregation. Once the cleanest city in Uttarakhand, Dehradun's ranking in the recently released Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2024 results slipped to 13th position statewide. It improved slightly in national rankings, from 68th to 62nd in the big city category, but its door-to-door waste collection dropped drastically from 96.5% to 48%, and waste processing fell from 78.5% to 27%. In order to combat this issue, Bansal on Saturday said a source segregation policy will be introduced soon, which will offer rebates in user charges so that the more a resident segregates their waste, the more rebate they will receive. Q: Even though there was a slight improvement in Doon's national ranking, the parameters are not very encouraging. What are the key takeaways from the current scores? The numbers are very clear. We need to make significant improvements in our door-to-door waste collection and source segregation. This time, we lost out on the garbage-free city and legacy waste criteria, but since the inspections for SS 2024, regular processing has been carried out at both our legacy waste sites. We've already made significant progress on that front. Since the corporation's takeover of door-to-door waste management, we've increased garbage collection to over 80%. We have our work cut out for us, and we're steadily taking steps to fix the situation. Q: What does Dehradun's fall in ranking within the state signify? It's important to understand that this comparison is not absolute. Changes in markings and indicative parameters mean that a comparison with previous years doesn't tell the whole story. Similarly, an absolute city-wise ranking is also not a fair comparison. A cantonment board or a municipality doesn't have the same indicators as a municipal corporation. A smaller city with less population has different challenges compared to a larger one, especially the state capital. Even the marking parameters are different. Also, unfortunately, when the inspections were happening in Dehradun, sanitation workers were on strike due to non-payment of wages. This irregularity was the primary reason why the corporation stepped in. Since we took over, we've managed to avoid such scenarios, and door-to-door collection has actually improved. If we're able to implement our plans, next year's Survekshan scores will reflect our efforts. Q: The need for source segregation has been an old one. Even the corporation has been saying so. How is DMC planning to achieve this? We are bringing in a specific source segregation policy and will introduce it soon. To encourage more people to carry out segregation, we'll offer rebates in user charges. The more you segregate your waste at the doorstep, the more rebate you'll receive. There's a need for massive public sensitisation on this front. If only 10% of people segregate their waste, it doesn't help the system, it all ends up mixed. But if everyone does it, we can actually build an effective waste management system with better processing at our collection centres. We'll also strengthen our challaning and enforcement to ensure compliance. Q: What else can be done to strengthen Doon's overall waste management? We're planning a decentralised approach to waste management. The compactors at Kargi were installed with this in mind. We're also working to enhance capacity so that the Harrawala model can be replicated in other wards. We already have some solutions, we just need to implement them. The idea of licensing commercial establishments is also part of this. Once we have a count of licensed bulk waste generators, we can track the waste they generate, how it's being disposed of, and take action on any non-compliance. For transparency, we're involving self-help groups in collecting user charges. We're on the right track, and stabilising Doon's waste management is a top priority for the corporation. Dehradun municipal commissioner Namami Bansal, in an interview with TOI's Tanmayee Tyagi, acknowledged that improvements are needed in the civic body's handling of door-to-door waste collection and source segregation. Once the cleanest city in Uttarakhand, Dehradun's ranking in the recently released Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2024 results slipped to 13th position statewide. It improved slightly in national rankings, from 68th to 62nd in the big city category, but its door-to-door waste collection dropped drastically from 96.5% to 48%, and waste processing fell from 78.5% to 27%. In order to combat this issue, Bansal on Saturday said a source segregation policy will be introduced soon, which will offer rebates in user charges so that the more a resident segregates their waste, the more rebate they will receive. Q: Even though there was a slight improvement in Doon's national ranking, the parameters are not very encouraging. What are the key takeaways from the current scores? The numbers are very clear. We need to make significant improvements in our door-to-door waste collection and source segregation. This time, we lost out on the garbage-free city and legacy waste criteria, but since the inspections for SS 2024, regular processing has been carried out at both our legacy waste sites. We've already made significant progress on that front. Since the corporation's takeover of door-to-door waste management, we've increased garbage collection to over 80%. We have our work cut out for us, and we're steadily taking steps to fix the situation. Q: What does Dehradun's fall in ranking within the state signify? It's important to understand that this comparison is not absolute. Changes in markings and indicative parameters mean that a comparison with previous years doesn't tell the whole story. Similarly, an absolute city-wise ranking is also not a fair comparison. A cantonment board or a municipality doesn't have the same indicators as a municipal corporation. A smaller city with less population has different challenges compared to a larger one, especially the state capital. Even the marking parameters are different. Also, unfortunately, when the inspections were happening in Dehradun, sanitation workers were on strike due to non-payment of wages. This irregularity was the primary reason why the corporation stepped in. Since we took over, we've managed to avoid such scenarios, and door-to-door collection has actually improved. If we're able to implement our plans, next year's Survekshan scores will reflect our efforts. Q: The need for source segregation has been an old one. Even the corporation has been saying so. How is DMC planning to achieve this? We are bringing in a specific source segregation policy and will introduce it soon. To encourage more people to carry out segregation, we'll offer rebates in user charges. The more you segregate your waste at the doorstep, the more rebate you'll receive. There's a need for massive public sensitisation on this front. If only 10% of people segregate their waste, it doesn't help the system, it all ends up mixed. But if everyone does it, we can actually build an effective waste management system with better processing at our collection centres. We'll also strengthen our challaning and enforcement to ensure compliance. Q: What else can be done to strengthen Doon's overall waste management? We're planning a decentralised approach to waste management. The compactors at Kargi were installed with this in mind. We're also working to enhance capacity so that the Harrawala model can be replicated in other wards. We already have some solutions, we just need to implement them. The idea of licensing commercial establishments is also part of this. Once we have a count of licensed bulk waste generators, we can track the waste they generate, how it's being disposed of, and take action on any non-compliance. For transparency, we're involving self-help groups in collecting user charges. We're on the right track, and stabilising Doon's waste management is a top priority for the corporation.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Swachh Survekshan 2024: State secures just 1 award, It was 2 last year
Dehradun: The Swachh Survekshan 2024 results were announced in Delhi on Thursday, revealing mixed outcomes for Uttarakhand. While Dehradun improved slightly in national rankings—from 68th to 62nd in the big city category—the state secured only one award compared to two last year. Dehradun, once the cleanest city in Uttarakhand, slipped to 13th position statewide. Its door-to-door waste collection dropped drastically from 96.5% to 48%, and waste processing fell from 78.5% to 27%. Dr Avinash Khanna, chief health officer, Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC), acknowledged the need for urgent improvements in waste collection, source segregation, waste processing and garbage hotspot management. In contrast, Lalkuan in Nainital district earned the state-level "Promising Clean City" award for the first time, signalling rapid progress among smaller towns. Officials highlighted that Swachh Survekshan's inclusive approach allows smaller municipalities to gain recognition and motivates further sanitation investment. Among cantonment boards, most showed slight ranking improvements except Landour, which slipped from 30th to 50th, underscoring growing waste issues in the tourist town. Nainital improved from 61st to 52nd. Statewide data revealed a decline in average door-to-door waste collection to 56.6% from 69.7%, though source segregation rose sharply from 17% to 49%, and waste processing increased from 26.5% to 40.5%. Anoop Nautiyal, founder of NGO Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation, criticised state's stagnant performance after a decade of Swachh Bharat Mission, calling it "a result of systemic apathy and lack of political priority." He advocated a dedicated waste management commission (WMC) to oversee complex multi-stream waste challenges intensified by the state's heavy pilgrim and tourist influx. Rudrapur emerged as a standout performer, jumping from 417th to 68th nationally and ranking first among Uttarakhand's municipal corporations. Mayor Vikas Sharma credited teamwork, awareness campaigns and improved waste management for the progress. He said that initiatives like door-to-door garbage collection, awareness drives, technological upgrades, solid waste management and continuous monitoring played a crucial role in improving rankings. Municipal commissioner Naresh Durgapal said, "This success comes from teamwork, strategy, and public involvement. Previous accolades aside, this national recognition shows we're on the right path." Haridwar and Rishikesh showed declines. Haridwar's rank dropped from 4th to 18th among Ganga towns, with door-to-door collection falling from 93% to 70%, and source segregation from 30% to 7%. B D Joshi, an environmentalist, blamed municipal indifference and overwhelming tourist-generated waste. Municipal commissioner of Rishikesh, Gopal Ram Binwal, said, "Our performance declined in door-to-door waste collection and source segregation due to ongoing construction of our waste disposal plant. We're analysing the results and will take corrective steps." Bageshwar improved to 1,007th nationally from 3,961st, but residents remain dissatisfied, citing persistent litter and sanitation issues. Environmental activist Kishan Singh Malra said, "We cannot rely solely on the municipal body. People need to become more aware and proactive in keeping their surroundings clean." Municipal executive officer Mohammad Yameen acknowledged both challenges and progress made. "Our goal now is to reach the top 100." Overall, Lalkuan, Rudrapur, Mussoorie, Doiwala and Pithoragarh were the cleanest cities, while Ghansali, Padli Gujjar, Rampur, Piran Kaliyar and Nainital Cantonment were the dirtiest. Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 awards recognised top cities across five population segments, from over 10 lakh to under 20,000 residents. Graded out of 12,500 marks, the survey involved 14 crore citizens. This year, 78 awards were given across four categories. Starting with 73 ULBs in 2016, the survey now covers over 4,500 cities, focusing on the theme "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle", using 10 parameters and 54 indicators.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
DMC and Tinsukia NFR partner to better waste management at 12 Dibrugarh rail colonies
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: In a significant step toward improving urban cleanliness, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) and the Tinsukia division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) signed an MoU on Tuesday for door-to-door municipal solid waste (MSW) collection from 12 railway colonies across the city. The agreement, signed in the presence of DMC commissioner Jay Vikas and executive officer Novas Das, is expected to enhance sanitation and public hygiene, with services set to begin by mid-Aug. Under the initiative, DMC will oversee daily waste collection, transportation, and disposal for 1,488 authorised railway households and 1,027 unauthorised households spread across the 12 railway colonies in Dibrugarh. The colonies covered under the scheme include the Divisional Railway Hospital premises at Naliapool, Barbari Railway Colony, Naliapool Railway Colony, Kadamoni Railway Colony, Chowkidingee Railway Colony, Dibru Railway Colony, Mansarovar Railway Colony, Chiringaon Railway Colony, Kalibari Railway Colony, Gabharupathar Railway Colony, Bansbari Railway Colony, and Banipur Railway Colony. "This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in Dibrugarh's journey toward sustainable waste management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo By extending our services to railway colonies, we aim to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents," Vikas said. The Railway administration will contribute Rs 200 per authorised household per month for the service. Additionally, railway authorities will play an active role in promoting waste segregation and ensuring adherence to cleanliness norms among residents. The DMC will also provide desilting services for railway drains upon written request at approved rates. The MoU will remain valid for two years and includes provisions for regular monitoring, billing, and grievance redressal. However, the agreement explicitly excludes hazardous and biomedical waste from the DMC's responsibilities. DMC has assured that waste collection vehicles will follow a fixed schedule to ensure timely disposal. The civic body will also conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents on the importance of segregating dry and wet waste. With the MoU now in place, both the DMC and the Tinsukia railway division are optimistic about the project's success. "This is a win-win situation for both parties. While the railways get a systematic waste management system, the DMC can expand its services to more areas, contributing to a greener Dibrugarh," Vikas added. Residents have welcomed the move, expressing hope for better waste management in their neighbourhoods. "For years, waste disposal has been a challenge in railway colonies. This initiative will not only keep our surroundings clean but also raise awareness about proper waste segregation," Dibrugarh resident Parag Dutta said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
DCP-rank officer to probe sale of BMC land by sr civic official ‘squatting on post'
Mumbai: Amid charges that a BMC officer was involved in a purported sale this year of 10 Borivli plots owned by and in possession of the civic body and that she is reluctant to give up the post of assistant municipal commissioner despite being promoted as deputy municipal commissioner (DMC), industries minister Uday Samant said in the legislative council on Tuesday that a DCP-rank officer will probe the alleged land scam and the civic official will be directed to take her new charge immediately. The issue was raised by Congress's Bhai Jagtap through a calling attention motion. He pointed out that Saibaba Nagar layout in Borivli, spanning 4.7 acres, was developed in the late 1970s. The layout has 18 plots, of which 10 were handed over to BMC. In Development Plan-2034, these 10 plots were shown as being reserved for a higher education institute, a municipal school, a dispensary and a playground. On the remaining eight plots, there are 16 residential buildings that went in for redevelopment, which was stayed by the civic official, said Jagtap. "In 2021, when I raised the issue with the then municipal commissioner, Iqbal Chahal, and pointed out that even after 40 years, the property registration card (PRC) of these 10 plots did not bear the name of BMC, he directed the then assistant municipal commissioner to ensure that the process was completed within seven days and that the PRC reflected the name of BMC as the owner," said the Congress MLC. "However, early this year, all 10 plots were sold in connivance with the ward officer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Serbia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House Search Now Undo She was promoted as DMC, but has refused to take charge and continues in the post. She must be sent on leave immediately," he demanded. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Samant said the entire matter was being investigated by a sub-inspector, but the probe will now be helmed by a DCP. "The Mumbai police commissioner will be given instructions to this effect [on Tuesday] itself," he said. On the redevelopment being stayed, he said there were other legal issues as well, which were being sorted out with the relevant authorities.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
DMC sets up command centre to integrate doorstep waste collection
Dehradun: To strengthen door-to-door garbage collection and streamline waste management in Uttarakhand's capital city, Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) is setting up an integrated command and control centre (ICCC), based on the Indore model, to closely monitor the process and track garbage movement to processing plants. Officials said final logistics are being put in place and the ICCC will become operational this week. It will be managed by DMC and can eventually be used for dengue monitoring, fogging, as well as monitoring waterlogging and flooding during monsoon, officials said. "So far, the project monitoring companies have been separately tracking their own sections and movement of waste collection vehicles in their respective areas. Legacy sites and waste processing have also been monitored separately. With the ICCC, we hope to bring all of this under one roof and integrate door-to-door waste collection, transport to processing plants or even source segregation, which is going to be our next focus," said municipal commissioner Namami Bansal, adding that software support was outsourced and is the same as that of Indore. "This tech-based model will ensure real-time monitoring and no manipulation of data by any third party. Our vehicles are supposed to be on their way by 7am. And by 9am, we will know what routes are not being covered or where more manpower is required, and corrective steps can be taken to ensure the public is not inconvenienced," Bansal said. Notably, Dehradun produces upwards of 450 tonnes of garbage daily and has not performed well in Swachh Survekshan rankings in the past. Officials said these changes hope to rectify that and will also address the problem of erratic waste collection in the city. In certain areas such as Mohkampur, Dharampur, Doon Vihar and Kishanpur, garbage collection remains irregular. Third-party companies have also gone on frequent strikes, following which DMC took over the door-to-door waste collection in Feb this year. Since then, the corporation has increased the number of collection vehicles to over 250, with CUG numbers issued to drivers for better coordination with residents. Officials also claim that waste collection has risen to 80% from 46% earlier since the takeover, while the aim is 100% waste collection from households and all public places.
