The Kozhikode Municipal Corporation will apply for a two-star rating under the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2019. The Corporation council has decided to submit the application before January 4. However, the public will have a few more days to point out any problems related to waste management in the city, so that the Corporation could correct them before ranking is confirmed.
“Urban spaces in the country are given rating up to seven stars based on several parameters. Kozhikode qualifies for the two-star rating,” said Corporation Health Officer R.S. Gopakumar.
The parameters being considered for the rating include door-to-door garbage collection system, source-level waste segregation, effectiveness of waste management, status of scientific landfills, plastic waste management, construction and demolition management, and a citizen grievance redressal system.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Our door-to-door collection system covers only 60% of the city, while 100% coverage is needed for a three-star city. Once the Green Task Force comes into effect in about three months, we will be qualified to apply for three-star,” Dr. Gopakumar said. Kozhikode has already declared itself open defecation free (ODF), another parameter required for the three-star status. This will enable the Corporation to apply for three-star rating next year. However, only a proper sewage treatment mechanism will help the city qualify for any higher ranking.
Kozhikode can declare itself a two-star city in a step-by-step process. First, ward councillors should declare each ward as a waste-free ward and then the Corporation council can declare the city waste-free. Once the public opinion is also taken care of, the city can make the final declaration.
However, if Kozhikode is aiming at three-star or five-star rating, it will have to undergo an additional verification by an independent agency under the Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs.
ADVERTISEMENT