Ganderbal, Sep 23: In a proactive move to combat mounting concerns over waste management, the Rural Development Department has initiated a groundbreaking effort to elevate cleanliness and hygiene standards in Tehsil Gund. The ambitious program entails the efficient collection of garbage from households, shops, and hotels, facilitated by four specialized vehicles armed with cutting-edge technology for a seamless and thorough cleanup process.
The project has garnered significant attention, particularly for its innovative revenue-sharing model. Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Kalpors Bafapora in Ganderbal, has been awarded the contract for this vital work by the Assistant Commissioner of Panchayats, acting on behalf of the Lt. Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhat’s selection is attributed to his commitment to contribute 27.5% of the revenue collected to the local Panchayats, setting a remarkable precedent. The contract, governed by strict terms and conditions outlined in the Invitation to Expression of Interest, is initially set for one year but may extend based on performance.
The agency is mandated to provide essential resources, including seven dumpers, twelve carts, and machinery like a shredder, in addition to establishing three segregation points with personnel allocated by the concerned authority. It will be responsible for user charges, door-to-door collection of solid waste, and disposing of waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. Fines for littering waste in the open and penalties for inadequate waste management are part of the package.
A detailed sanitation fee structure will be provided by the Block Development Officer (BDO) within the first fortnight of the order. In the absence of such an order, a predefined fee structure will apply, varying by household type and business category. Violations will incur fines double the monthly sanitation fee.
The project is scheduled for inauguration on August 15, 2023, by the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, who will also officially hand over all vehicles, machinery, and civil structures to the agency.
The contract emphasizes strict adherence to terms and conditions, with failure resulting in the forfeiture of the deposited security, fines, and potential blacklisting. The agreement between the contractor and the authorities is formalized through an affidavit submitted by the contractor.
Residents and businesses in Tehsil Gund can now avail themselves of this much-needed waste collection service by requesting prompt pickup. However, charges will apply, varying based on the volume and type of waste to be collected. Non-compliance with the initiative will incur fines double the monthly sanitation fee, reinforcing the commitment to responsible waste disposal practices.
The Rural Development Department anticipates that these charges will not only cover the cleanup costs but also stimulate responsible waste management practices among residents and businesses. Local residents have welcomed this proactive move, expressing optimism about the initiative’s potential to significantly enhance the overall cleanliness and sustainability of Tehsil Gund.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to embrace this service as a crucial step toward creating a cleaner and more environmentally conscious community.
