The Times of India 28.08.2012
Garbage to be picked at your doorstep
BELGAUM: The Belgaum City Corporation (BCC) has decided to extend its house-to-house garbage collection programme to keep the city clean.
Presently, the Corporation covers only about 50% of the city under the
programme through Stree Shakti and self-help groups (SHGs). There has
been a strong demand from various areas, particularly from extensions,
to commence garbage collection in their areas. In areas covered under
the programme, the Corporation has kept large containers where people
can throw garbage.
But in other areas, garbage is mostly dumped
in nearby open areas, drains and street corners. Also, the few
containers placed in the area are far apart and discouraging people from
talking the long walk to dump garbage. The garbage thrown
indiscriminately on roads and in drains have become breeding grounds for
diseases.
As many as 80 Stree Shakti and self-help groups are
involved in collecting garbage from households and commercial
establishments in city through push carts and autorickshaws. The BCC
plans to increase this number to 200 by inviting interested parties. The
Corporation will extend 50% bank loan to the interested parties for
purchasing push carts and autorickshaws, while the remaining amount has
to be invested by the parties.
The cost of garbage collection
will differ from house to house based on the size of the house
constructed and the number of floors. It starts from Rs 20 per month,
and the BCC has decided to charge thrice the amount as fine for those
who default on paying the fees.
"We have already been charging
garbage collection fee for commercial establishments as solid waste
management tax. There are plans to collect tax from households on the
same lines in the future," said health officer Satish Potdar, speaking to TOI. Applications will be called from Stree Shakti groups and SHGs for garbage collection.
