The Pioneer 28.06.2013
Monsoon preparations: Dy CEO gives 60% marks to RMC
Shailendra Kumar Lal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RMC confessed in an interview that RMC is not fully prepared to combat monsoon related problems but asserted that that steps are being taken to minimise the problem.
What are the ground level preparations of RMC to battle against monsoon?
We have 300 km long drainage system which solves the purpose if rainfall is less than 40-50 mm a day. But the crucial problem Ranchi faces is lack of a comprehensive drainage system for approximately 12.50 lakh population. The plan has been submitted to the Central Government already. Also anti-encroachment drive over drains was carried on from June 12 to June 15.
What arrangements have been made in areas which are worst-affected by monsoon?
There are 13 low lying areas which include Vidya Nagar, Panchsheel Nagar and others in and around Ranchi where drainage system is not present and are worst affected in monsoon. There is no permanent management of this flaw though a temporary arrangement has been made by RMC.
What measure RMC takes for choked drains?
We have jet and suckers machines and we immediately ask our team to clear chokes whenever any complains are made. Choked drain is not a problem as we are well-equipped with machines.
What are the other moves to solve drainage related issues?
De-silting and adding bleaching powder in drainage system are other steps we take but only 60 per cent of the drains are covered till date. This is not satisfactory statistics for RMC also and our preparation to fight monsoon lacks here. You can give RMC 60 per cent marks if you are judging it on monsoon preparations.
Solid waste management plays a vital role in monsoon to prevent people from water borne diseases. Your comments.
Yes, Solid waste management plays a vital role in monsoon to prevent people from water borne diseases. The solid waste management work order is handled by A2Z on RMC order .The scope of work for the project under waste management broadly includes door-to-door collection of solid waste. They also work on collection of the user charges, construction, operation & maintenance of the waste processing facility with composting as one of the main processes.
Is there any helping hand given to public for water borne diseases treatment?
Health Department doesn’t come under us though we have supplied medications to our health wing on their demand especially for diarrhoea, cholera and malaria. RMC is always ready to extend its helping hands to health wing.
How municipal garbage is disposed? Is there any composting plant?
Municipal wastes are dumped in the outskirts of the city so that it can do no harm to the public. Moreover there is a plan of starting a composting plant in Jhiri for management of biodegradable waste and converting it into fertilisers. This will be starting on September 17, 2013.
Any additional step that RMC has taken as monsoon preparation?
Awareness workshops are also organised by A2Z to educate people about monsoon related problems. We are distributing 1.5 lakh of paper and jute bags to vendors to curb the use of polythene bags.
