Dehradun: The Dehradun Municipal Corporation has intensified efforts to improve the city’s sanitation system and prevent dengue and other vector-borne diseases. A review meeting on cleanliness, garbage collection and dengue control was held under the chairmanship of Municipal Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on door-to-door garbage collection, fogging, anti-larva spraying, cleaning of drains and sewer channels, action at waterlogged locations, penalties against those littering in public places and regular monitoring of sanitation arrangements.
The Municipal Commissioner directed officials to ensure regular and effective monitoring of sanitation and garbage collection across the municipal area. Door-to-door waste collection must be carried out according to the prescribed routes and schedules, and garbage should not be allowed to accumulate in any area for long periods. Accountability will be fixed on the concerned agency in cases of negligence.
To prevent dengue and other vector-borne diseases, regular fogging and anti-larva activities will be carried out in sensitive and identified areas. Waterlogged locations will also be identified and cleaned promptly to minimise the possibility of mosquito breeding.
The Municipal Commissioner also directed officials to ensure area-wise monitoring and reporting of fogging and anti-larva activities so that repeat action can be taken wherever required.
He further instructed that drains and sewer channels be cleaned regularly and that waste removed during the cleaning process should be immediately transported to designated disposal sites instead of being left at the spot.
Strict action will be taken against supervisors, sanitation inspectors and chief sanitation inspectors in case of negligence in the door-to-door garbage collection system.
The Municipal Corporation will also take action against individuals found dumping garbage at public places, roads, vacant plots, drains and other prohibited locations. Places where garbage is repeatedly dumped will be identified for special surveillance and awareness campaigns. Action will also be taken against violators on the basis of available photo and video evidence.
Commercial establishments, including shops, hotels, restaurants and other businesses, will be directed to keep adequate dustbins outside their premises. Establishment owners will be encouraged to hand over their waste only to the Municipal Corporation’s authorised garbage collection system. Those violating the rules will face action as per regulations.
The Municipal Commissioner also directed officials to identify and eliminate Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) across the city. Regular cleaning, surveillance and public awareness measures will be undertaken to ensure that garbage does not accumulate again at such locations.
Sanitation workers of the Municipal Corporation and associated agencies have also been instructed to wear the prescribed uniform while on duty to ensure better identification, discipline and accountability. Emphasis was also laid on encouraging employees who perform their duties effectively.
Pandey made it clear that negligence at any level in the city’s sanitation system will not be tolerated. Officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections and ensure effective monitoring of cleanliness, garbage collection, fogging and anti-larva activities.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Municipal Commissioner urged residents not to dump garbage in open spaces or drains, to keep dustbins outside commercial establishments and to hand over waste only to authorised garbage collection vehicles.
The Dehradun Municipal Corporation said it will continue its sanitation, waste management, fogging, anti-larva, awareness and monitoring campaigns to achieve the goal of a clean, beautiful, healthy and dengue-free Dehradun.
Chief Municipal Health Officer Dr. Anand Shukla, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Rajbir Singh Chauhan, Chief Sanitation Inspector, Sanitation Inspectors and other concerned officials were present at the meeting.
