Srinagar, June 12: In a bid to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has launched a crackdown on littering offenders across the city. The Chief Sanitization Officer (CSO) of SMC has announced stringent measures to curb this menace.
To ensure a neat and clean city, the SMC has initiated the closure of garbage collection points and dump bins. Out of the 360 collection points, more than 200 have already been shut down, with a target of achieving 100% closure within the next two months. However, certain areas continue to pose challenges as individuals persist in disposing of waste at these closed locations.
In a bid to discourage littering, the SMC has imposed fines on offenders, totaling approximately 9 lakh rupees. Several First Information Reports (FIRs) have also been registered against the littering offenders. Furthermore, the SMC has installed surveillance cameras at key bridges to monitor the situation closely.
Despite offering door-to-door waste collection services, some areas have displayed a lack of cooperation from the residents. Consequently, the SMC is considering the reinstallation of dump bins in these specific areas. The Chief Sanitization Officer expressed the corporation’s unwavering determination to make the city clean and green. However, the lack of cooperation from certain sections of the population has impeded their progress.
The Chief Sanitation Officer confirmed that the SMC has achieved 100% door-to-door waste collection in the city. In areas where hoppers are failing, the department is utilizing workers with hand carts to collect waste.
The closure of open waste sites and sheds, along with the implementation of door-to-door pickup, marks a significant step by the SMC to improve the sanitation and hygiene of the city. The Chief Sanitation Officer assured that the SMC is committed to the goal of making Srinagar garbage- and open dumper-free within the next two weeks.
When asked about future plans, the officer stated that the department will adopt even stricter measures to achieve the target of a clean city. They have observed a decrease in littering in areas where action has been taken against offenders.
The SMC remains dedicated to transforming Srinagar into a litter-free city and has implemented various measures to provide doorstep facilities for the convenience of its residents. However, the lack of cooperation from certain individuals continues to pose challenges for the corporation’s efforts, according to the CSO.
