After being appointed the Mukhya Nagar Adhikari at the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, Harak Singh Rawat has started directing actions for effective enforcement of the ban on polythene, facilitating proper garbage disposal and prevention of water logging among other civic issues.
However, observers point out that enforcing the ban on polythene and ensuring the desired level of civic sanitation in the State capital will be major challenges for Rawat, even though he has directed action on these issues in the past during his tenure as the additional MNA at MCD.
On the weekend, the MNA inspected various areas along with councillors and municipal officials and directed measures for preventing water-logging. Rawat also instructed officials to ensure effective enforcement of the ban on polythene bags by penalising violators of the ban with fines ranging from `500 to `5,000. He has also directed the municipal sanitation supervisors to issue at least 30 challans in a month for those found violating the solid waste regulations. The use of disposable dishes and cups will also be prohibited especially at wedding points in the State capital.
It is pertinent to mention here that the ban on polythene bags was introduced in 2012 but its enforcement has been ineffective since then. Repeated attempts were made to enforce the ban on polythene bags but factors like elections and visits of VIPs caused disrupted in the enforcement of the ban.
During his previous tenure at the MCD as the additional MNA, Rawat had elicited appreciation for himself playing an active part in the enforcement of the ban. After assuming charge as the MNA, Rawat has stated that facilitating the desired level of civic sanitation, enforcing the ban on polythene bags and facilitating the execution of various developmental and civic works will be his priorities along with improving the revenue generation of the corporation.
Observers point out that though Rawat has made his intent clear regarding the execution of various important tasks, enforcing the ban on polythene bags, facilitating the desired level of civic sanitation and execution of various works will be challenging tasks for the MCD. The apathy of the public and the blatant violation of the ban on polythene by the business fraternity among other factors have so far prevented effective enforcement of the ban in the State capital.
When it comes to facilitating the desired level of civic sanitation in Dehradun, improper dumping of garbage by members of the public, official inefficiency and glitches in implementation of the JNNURM funded solid waste management project have so far prevented an efficient waste treatment and disposal system from being implemented in the State capital. It now remains to be seen whether the MNA will be able to help in facilitating the much needed improvements in civic facilitation in Dehradun.