Garbage Vulnerable Points are converted into event zones for street festivals, Rangoli making and wall paintings by the East Zone of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporaton (GHMC). With the smart initiative of source segregation and Swachh Auto Tippers, East Zone is able to save 30 per cent of its garbage transport cost annually, says Raghu Prasad, Zonal Commissioner – East, GHMC in conversation with Biswajit Sahoo of Elets News Network (ENN). Excerpts:
What are the key issues of Solid Waste Management in East Zone of GHMC and how do you address it?
Sanitation and cleanliness maintenance in urban local bodies is always an important issue. In the East Zone of GHMC, it is a challenge for us to initiate attitudinal change among citizens. We have initiated different aspects of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) models to sensitise all the key segments like Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs), Sanitary Supervisors, Slum Welfare Associations, Swachh Auto Tripper Drivers and Community Resource Persons.
“Issues of garbage sourcing, segregating and transfer have been addressed with smart initiatives.”
What have been the key achievements in East Zone?
As per the new approach, we have modernised the garbage collection from source through Swachh Auto Tippers (SATs) instead of tricycles. Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) around the locality are eliminated through source segregation and diversification of garbage to transfer points within one km reach of SATs. These GVPs are now converted into event zones for street festival, Rangoli making and wall paintings. With this smart initiative of source segregation and SATs, East Zone is able to save 30 per cent of its garbage transport cost annually.
SATs are playing a major role in Solid Waste Management. Is it a sustainable model?
We have adopted the existing garbage collectors from the locality and helped them convert their tricycle to a mini Swachh Auto Tipper through credit linkage facility. In case of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes SAT owners, they are entitled to get 60 per cent subsidy in their loan. GHMC ensures each SAT operator gets at least 500 to 600 households for garbage collection and Rs 50 per month from each of these households to enhance their livelihood.
What role will Dry Resource Centres play in effective waste management?
In East Zone, we’ve established three Swachh Centres or Dry Resource Centres (DRCs). We have plans to establish two more in future. We are getting support from Godrej industries and its associate partners to operate, maintain and sustain these DRCs.
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