Following the ‘9 MCD trucks scandal,’ the Ghaziabad civic body has turned to an old vendor for garbage processing. Surprising
Following the ‘MCD trucks scandal,’ the Ghaziabad civic body has turned to an old vendor for garbage processing.
The upcoming ‘Swachh Survekshan 2023’ in Ghaziabad has been met with challenges in solid-waste collection and processing facilities, prompting the municipal corporation to revert to their previous vendor, Geron Engineering. City officials have acknowledged the difficulties faced in waste management as Ghaziabad generates approximately 1400 metric tonnes of solid waste daily.
Several recent factors, such as heavy rainfall and diversions due to the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage, have hindered waste processing. However, the primary issue arose from a dispute between the municipal corporation and the concessionaire of the Morta waste processing plant regarding trucks from Delhi MCD.
The issue escalated when Mayor Sunita Dayal seized nine trucks on June 30, claiming they belonged to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and were transporting solid waste to Ghaziabad’s Morta plant for processing. Following her directive, an FIR was filed against Geron Engineering, alleging that Ghaziabad was being charged for processing Delhi’s waste. However, Geron Engineering refuted the accusations and provided evidence that the trucks were transporting refuse-derived fuel to their private plant in Bahadarpur, not Morta. The MCD also denied the claims, stating that no waste was sent to Ghaziabad for processing.
Despite an internal inquiry, the municipal corporation failed to attract bidders in response to the expression of interest (EOI) for a new waste management vendor. Nitin Gaur, the municipal commissioner, stated that no bidders had come forward, and as a result, they requested Geron Engineering to resume waste processing at Morta, which had been shut down by the landowner. Additionally, they asked Geron to commence processing at a new site in Shahpur, near Morta, where land has been identified. If Geron refuses, the corporation intends to deduct the processing charges from their pending payment.
Gaur mentioned that an investigation by the police was underway following the FIR and that an internal inquiry was also pending. However, when approached for comment, officials from Geron Engineering declined to provide further details on the latest developments.
Ghaziabad, a city that has achieved respectable rankings in previous editions of the Swachh Survekshan, is determined to further improve its standing by implementing various measures. One of their key objectives is to collect approximately 800,000 feedback responses from citizens before August 15 to enhance their Swachh Survekshan (SS) ranking.
To address the challenges in solid waste management and processing, municipal corporation officials in Ghaziabad have initiated important steps. Around 180 trucks carrying solid waste have been directed to a new site in Shahpur, aimed at streamlining waste collection and processing operations. The timely execution of these actions is critical, as the teams for ‘Swachh Survekshan 2023’ are scheduled to arrive soon. The corporation must resolve these issues and ensure proper waste disposal, as failure to do so may result in a loss of points during the survey.
Recognising the significance of citizen feedback, various departments within the corporation have been assigned specific tasks to complete as part of SS-2023, with a deadline of August 15. Their objective is to gather approximately 800,000 feedback responses, which will contribute to the improvement of Ghaziabad’s Swachh Survekshan ranking. Mithilesh Kumar, the corporation’s city health officer, has emphasised the importance of this endeavour.
In the previous editions of the Swachh Survekshan, Ghaziabad has shown commendable progress. In the 2022 survey, the city secured the 12th national rank in the category of cities with a population between 1 and 4 million. This was an improvement from the 18th rank achieved in 2021 and the 19th position in 2020. In the 2019 edition, Ghaziabad achieved the 13th rank. These rankings demonstrate the city’s commitment to cleanliness and its efforts to enhance waste management practices.
The challenges faced by the Ghaziabad municipal corporation regarding solid waste management and processing shed light on the importance of efficient waste disposal systems. Prompt resolution of these issues is crucial for the corporation. It is essential to streamline waste collection and processing operations, ensuring the proper functioning of the Morta plant and the new site in Shahpur. By addressing these challenges and improving waste management practices, Ghaziabad can significantly enhance its Swachh Survekshan ranking. Moreover, these efforts will promote cleanliness and hygiene within the city, setting an example for other municipalities across the country.
Efficient waste management is not only critical for improving rankings in the Swachh Survekshan but also for the overall well-being of the city’s residents. It helps in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, reducing the risk of diseases, and preserving the aesthetics of the city. The municipal corporation must continue to prioritise waste management and work collaboratively with citizens to create awareness and encourage their active participation.
In conclusion, Ghaziabad’s aim to improve its Swachh Survekshan ranking by collecting a significant number of feedback responses reflects its commitment to enhancing waste management practices. The challenges faced by the municipal corporation in solid waste management and processing highlight the importance of efficient waste disposal systems.
By promptly addressing these issues, streamlining waste collection and processing operations, and ensuring the proper functioning of the Morta plant and the new site in Shahpur, Ghaziabad can significantly enhance its Swachh Survekshan ranking. This will not only promote cleanliness and hygiene in the city but also serve as an inspiration for other municipalities throughout the country.
