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Thanesar MC chief leads by example

The holy city of Kurukshetra has secured a dismal 252nd all-India rank in the Swachh Survekshan-2019, forcing the Thanesar municipal council to pull up its socks to perform better.

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Vishal Joshi

The holy city of Kurukshetra has secured a dismal 252nd all-India rank in the Swachh Survekshan-2019, forcing the Thanesar municipal council to pull up its socks to perform better.

Uma Sudha, chairperson of the Thanesar Municipal Council, says that a drive to promote segregation of domestic waste will be started next week. She has installed a ‘Swachhta pillar’, an earthen pot, at her house at Sector 7 in Kurukshetra to highlight an improvised solution to the disposal of household waste.

“I came across this solution during a workshop in New Delhi. This eco-friendly system costs Rs 2,200 and has the capability to convert domestic waste into organic manure within 21 days. As the pillar also has an aesthetic value, it can be installed anywhere in the house,” she says. The local civic body is mandated to govern Kurukshetra city and peripheral villages.

The Central Government has earmarked a grant of Rs 100 crore for the beautification of Kurukshetra and tourism promotion in the city. Official sources claim that it is the only city of Haryana that has got so much attention for exploring tourism opportunities. But given a dismal Swachhta grade, promoting Kurukshetra as an international tourist destination is indeed a challenge, says a district official.

Uma says that the low national rank is a cause for concern, as the municipal council scored less points on account of a lack of waste management and free of cost garbage collection from residents’ doorsteps.

She says efforts are being made to get the support of councillors for charging Rs 50 every household per month for waste collection.

“The state government is planning solid waste management. We have a temporary garbage dumpsite at Mukimpura village, near Kurukshetra, but even a spell of rain makes the spot inaccessible for waste collection vehicles. The ‘Swachhta pillar’ may be an effective solution at the micro level as people will have an option when garbage collection is suspended during rainy days,” she adds.

Uma says that the municipal council has also planned to start a pilot project to boost waste segregation at source. “According to the plan, households in identified areas will be provided bins to put organic and inorganic waste separately. Segregation of waste at source is an exercise where the support of residents is important. We hope to succeed in this programme in the long term,” she adds.

Innovative idea

I came across this solution during a workshop in New Delhi. This eco-friendly system costs Rs 2,200 and has the capability to convert domestic waste into organic manure within 21 days. As the pillar also has an aesthetic value, it can be installed anywhere in the house. —Uma Sudha, chairperson of Thanesar Municipal Council

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