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Garbage woes pile up

Wednesday, 08 July 2009 05:29 administrator
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Source : The Hindu Date : 08.07.2009

Garbage woes pile up

Second day of stir by sanitation workers’ union

-Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

Unbearable stench: Mounds of garbage spilling over from the uncleared GHMC bins at Yousufguda Check Post on Tuesday.

HYDERABAD: Garbage lifting by the GHMC continued to be affected at least in some parts of the twin cities for the second consecutive day on Tuesday due to the ongoing strike by the sole workers union.

Heaps of garbage which piled up in different areas are posing a threat to the health of residents. Residents claimed that repeated complaints to the authorities had no effect. The stench of decomposing waste was all-pervading in many parts of the old city, including Jahanuma, Chandulal Baradari and Basharatnagar and nobody was able to pass through the road without covering one’s nose.

Union adamant

The situation was similar in Secunderabad and its surrounding areas. However, the union has been adamant about cancellation of the deal with Ramky for taking up the Integrated Solid Waste Management Project. The three-member panel negotiating with the union held talks with the union’s leaders today but in vain.

The union was said to be concerned about handing over the transport as well as garbage collection activities to the agency under the public private partnership project. The committee consisted of Additional Commissioners Sk. Aleem Basha (Health & Sanitation), Ramesh Babu (Finance) and M. Rajeswara Rao (Parks).

Last Updated on Wednesday, 08 July 2009 05:51
 

Fresh hope for projects as JNNURM kitty gets fatter

Tuesday, 07 July 2009 11:01 administrator
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Source : The Times of India Date : 07.07.2009

Fresh hope for projects as JNNURM kitty gets fatter
PUNE: With the Union Budget increasing the allocation for projects under the JNNURM in 2009-10 by 87 per cent (Rs 12,887 crore), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) now plans to submit new proposals for water supply, solid waste management and flyovers. These projects were earlier held back due to restricted funds.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) too is planning to implement Pavana river development and storm water drainage projects.

The Union government had allocated Rs 5,482 crore for JNNURM in the 2007-08 budget and Rs 6,866 crore in 2008-09. The allocation of Rs 11,842 crore was proposed in the interim budget for 2009-10. Pune has reaped maximum benefit as it has got Rs 2,440 crore sanctioned till date.

The PMC administration is optimistic about getting permission immediately for schemes such as the Rs 495 crore (phase II) storm water drain project, Rs 50 crore flyover and Rs 43 crore intelligent transport planning. "We also hope the Rs 232-crore sewage treatment plant proposal pending with the central government will also be sanctioned," said deputy commissioner Pravin Ashtikar, officer on special duty ( solid waste).

Vinay Deshpande, officer on special duty, JNNURM, said, "With limited allocation, many proposals were held back. Now, we will speed up the process to submit new proposals."

Former deputy director of state town planning department Ramchandra Gohad said, "The PMC should now push for integrated planning for projects like metro, roads and drainage system and seek funds from JNNURM."

The PCMC is keen on implementing two major projects storm water drainage (Rs 650 crore) and Pavana river development (Rs 200 crore).

According to Neelkanth Poman, head of the PCMC's JNNURM cell, the approved cost of all the projects under JNNURM is Rs 2,546 crore. So far the corporation has received grants of Rs 623 crore, with which it has undertaken road development projects, four sewage treatment plants, augmentation of water supply and solid waste management.
 

PMC finalises rates for water tankers

Tuesday, 07 July 2009 10:38 administrator
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Source : The Times of India Date : 07.07.2009

PMC finalises rates for water tankers

PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Monday fixed the rates for water tankers following allegations that they were charging the citizens exorbitantly.

"Following complaints, we have fixed the rates for tankers that purchase water from the PMC. They should charge Rs 600 for 10,000 litres of water, Rs 700 for 15,000 litres and Rs 800 for 20,000 litres. If any tanker operator is found charging more than this, citizens should contact the PMC's ward office and register a complaint," said municipal commissioner Mahesh Zagade.

The civic chief told reporters that the PMC was plying 23 tankers in the city, including six for Urali Devachi and Phursungi. "The PMC has hired 47 tankers on contract and they make 300-350 trips in various parts.

Additional municipal commissioner M S Devnikar said a survey for digging of borewells was being conducted. "The PMC has decided to acquire borewells in public places so that their ownership remains with the civic body."

The BJP had alleged that tankers were selling water at almost six to seven times the cost at which they were getting it from the PMC. Citizens also complained that the PMC provided water at Rs 200 per tanker of 10,000 litres, but the tanker owners sold it for Rs 800-900 per tanker. In many places, the rate was still higher, the citizens have alleged.
 
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