New sanitation plan for the Games in the offing

‘Deep collection system bins to be installed; rag pickers, stray dogs to be kept away’
‘Safai karamcharis to wear an apron and cap during duty hours’

A comprehensive plan has been drawn up to ensure fool-proof sanitation arrangements during the upcoming Commonwealth Games under which a new collection system, use of better bins and wearing of uniforms by the staff would be ensured.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting called by Delhi Urban Development and Finance Minister A.K. Walia this past week.

As per the approved action plan, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be responsible for collecting waste from different sites and for bringing and putting the collected waste packed in different bags into the bins installed by it.

The civic body would also be responsible for undertaking sweeping of the area inside and around the venue sites and premises. It will collect waste from bins and transport it to the processing or dumping facility late at night.

Dr. Walia said the system would cover the 26 competition venues, training venues and other non-competition venues.

A unique aspect of the collection mechanism would be that the MCD will install “deep collection system” bins which will be partially above and partially below the ground level. The waste would be kept away from rag-pickers, stray dogs and cattle and these waste bins will be cleared mechanically through cranes.

With a large number of tourists, including international visitors, expected to stay in guest houses situated in the City and Sadar Paharganj zones, the Minister said it has also been decided that 68 deep collection system bins would be installed at 29 different locations in City and Sadar Paharganj zones.

The action plan has also spelt out measures for improving the looks and conduct of the sanitation staff. In order to develop a sense of duty and responsibility among the “safai karamcharis”, it has been decided that they would wear an apron and cap during their duty hours. In all, 52,000 sets of apron and cap would be purchased.

Dr. Walia said the MCD has also been told to intensify its mechanical sweeping process. The civic body would hire mechanical sweepers for the roads. In all, 31 major roads have been identified for the purpose.

The meeting was also informed that the MCD was already going door to door to collect municipal solid waste in Civil Lines, Rohini, Vasant Kunj and Dwarka zones.