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.