The district headquarters is facing difficulty in dealing with increasing garbage. With more than 70,000 population and about 40 per cent living in slum areas, the headquarters produces 41 tonnes of garbage every day out of which 36 per cent is cleared by the municipality staff. That means about 150 tonnes of garbage accumulates every month.
Earlier, the municipal sanitation staff used to dump garbage at a yard located near ITI. But it was stalled for about three months following opposition by the residents of newly-built MRF Colony, who complained of serious problems caused by the garbage. However, the municipal authorities convinced them to let them dump garbage with a promise that they will soon shift the dump yard to another locality at Jogipet. At present, the authorities have deployed two private and four municipal vehicles to collect garbage, in addition to 15 tricycles and one auto-rickshaw. They are also contemplating on recruiting additional staff after making a proper assessment.
In all this, what is seen as lacking is public cooperation to maintain cleanliness. Many throw waste in their vacant neighbourhood instead of calling the civic staff to collect the same, stating that they are not regular in collecting garbage.
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“No one is bothered about keeping their surroundings clean, despite repeated appeals. What’s the point if we dump garbage at a designated place when others throw where they find it convenient,” asks K. Murthy, a resident of Pothireddypally.
As of now, the garbage is being dumped at the old location, but we are searching for a new dump yard, says Municipal Commissioner and Deputy Executive Engineer Mohd. Gayas Mohyuddin.
“Even after being told, people do not segregate wet and dry garbage and it makes our job difficult. Keeping the town clean is not just the responsibility of municipality, but people as well and they should understand that,” says Mr. Mohyuddin.
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A civic problem
40 per cent of the population lives in slum areas
Out of the total garbage produced, municipal staff clear 36 per cent
Authorities have deployed two private and four municipal vehicles to collect garbage
15 tricycles and an auto-rickshaw are also used for the purpose
Authorities contemplating recruiting more people to collect waste
Public cooperation to keep the town clean is lacking
“Even after being told, people do not segregate wet and dry garbage and it makes our job difficult. Keeping the town clean is not just the responsibility of municipality, but people as well and they should understand that”
Municipal Commissioner Mohd. Gayas Mohyuddin