The Hindu 04.12.2013
GHMC promises more for North Zone denizens
GHMC Zonal Commissioner (North) S. Hari Krishna responds to the many
challenges that residents in Secunderabad face on a daily basis. The top
municipal official pointed out that new and innovative measures are on
the anvil, which would go a long way in making life better for denizens
in the North Zone in this interview to M. SAI GOPAL
Sanitation
We have
chalked-out a two pronged strategy to improve sanitation. We are seeking
public support to create a ‘bin free’ environment. Initially, we have
started this by introducing house to house collection of garbage in
Alwal and Malkajgiri. Very shortly, we are introducing this service in
Quthbullapur and Secunderabad.
In the next three to
four months, my aim is to cover all the commercial establishments from
S. D. Road to R. P Road, Monda Market and Secunderabad Railway Station
area under door-to-door garbage collection scheme.
The idea is no dustbins along the main roads in Secunderabad.
Our
second major thrust is to reduce the total amount of garbage being sent
to Jawaharnagar dumping yard. For this, we are employing the principals
of reuse and recycle.
In Alwal, we have set up a
compost facility, with a capacity to handle three tonnes of garbage per
day. We have also set up a bio-gas plant there capable of producing
clean fuel out of a half-tonne garbage.
We are going to set up similar facilities in Malkajgiri and Qutbullapur in the near future.
UCD activities
There
are a few challenges in Urban Community Development (UCD) activities on
which we are working on and GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar has given
his nod to organise job melas for the unemployed youth every month. It
will go a long way in giving a direction to them.
We
are also trying to come up with more night shelters as many youngsters
are forced to spend nights on streets due to lack of proper avenues for
temporary stay of five to six months.
There are night shelters at Malkajgiri, Bible House and Chilkalguda. We are going to add a few more to help out the youth.
Property tax
Last year, property tax collections from this zone were nearly Rs. 120 crore and this year we are aiming to reach Rs. 180 crore.
This
revenue is essential to take up developmental activities in various
colonies. The new scheme of offering a bonus of two months salary to tax
collectors performing well is sure to boost their performance.
Protection of State properties
Encroachment
is a major problem though we are trying our best to take control of our
properties. Parks and playgrounds meant for the youth and compounds of
Government buildings are endangered.
We have identified close to 120 open spaces needing immediate attention.
Plans
are afoot to construct compound walls around these open spaces for
protection. Recently, we also managed to settle a dispute with private
persons in Quthbullapur and got back 20 acres of Government land, which
is a big achievement for us.
Sports
We
are in the process of coming up with new sports facilities. In Alwal,
we already have a good football and skating rink thrown open to the
general public.
In Malkajgiri, Quthbullapur and other
far-off areas, we are planning to set up cricket, volleyball and
badminton facilities for the benefit of citizens.
The general objective is to ensure youngsters have such sports facilities in a one kilometre radius.
