Srinagar: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Thursday took review of key areas of sanitation and the polythene drive underway in Srinagar to dissuade people from using the same.
SMC Commissioner Dr G N Qasba chaired the meeting attended by wards officers and senior official of the corporation, which included Joint Commissioner Administration, Chief Accounts Officer, Secretary SMC, Chief Enforcement Officer, Chief Sanitation Officer and others.
According to the statement issued to KNS, the commissioner, who was briefed by the officials on the polythene drive, stressed the need to have a new mechanism in place on polythene drive to completely contain its use in Srinagar.
“All ward in-charges are directed to start ward-wise drive against polythene use. The polythene seized during these drives will be put on a display after every 15 days at the central office of the SMC,” said Dr Qasba.
Dr Qasba, while describing polythene a menace, said, “Stopping the use of polythene is in favour of one and all. We need cooperation from people too to end the practise to save our environment, which is facing grave threat due to polythene.”
The SMC is planning a mega exhibition on April 21 where polythene seized during special drives in 34 wards will be put on display and figures about the same will be shared with the general public.
Dr Qasba also took stock of status of the Brari Nambal lagoon. He directed the chief enforcement officer to ensure solid waste management effectively and efficiently. “This lagoon is a lung for the Dal lake and very ornamental for the environs of Srinagar,” said Dr Qasba.
He passed strict orders to officer to ensure no encroachment or illegal structure is set up in and outside the lagoon area. “There will be zero tolerance for encroachment in the area. We cannot allow our important asset to be consumed by the encroachers. The lagoon serves like one big green space for locals too. The locals should also help the SMC in stopping encroachments,” said Dr Qasba.
The commissioner also reviewed the progress of actions taken to address sanitation issues of the city.
The SMC has placed hi-teach11 compactors right now to cater to the needs of the city. Besides, 12 hoppers are also working in tandem to ensure clean environs to people living in the city.
Additional 20 hoppers are being procured by the SMC to bring more efficiency in cleaning up exercise of garbage from the city. The SMC is aiming at good services and plan it provide machines to all wards for swift deliverance of services on sanitation front.
Meanwhile, the commissioner also took note of the measures taken at the Achan dumping ground. He expressed at the pace if work and the measures in place to make it a success.