A series of workshops was held by the Khariar NAC at Khariar between June8 and 11 to discuss about the issues of sanitation and waste management in Khariar town. The objective of the workshops was to generate participation of all stakeholders in sanitation and waste management.
The officials of Khariar NAC informed the participants about the decision of the National Green Tribunal on the ban of polythene and wanted to know from the participants in what way the problems could be resolved. The first workshop held on June 8 was attended by the people of business community, traders and shop keepers as well as intellectuals.
"The cooperation of the business community is necessary to get rid of polythene hazard," said EO of Khariar NAC Kishore Sahu.
The participants said they understood the gravity of the polythene hazard and are ever ready to extend their cooperation. "But we need appropriate response from the officials," they added.
The second workshop was held on June 10 with the sanitation workers followed by the third one on June 11 with the members of SHGs. The sanitation workers were encouraged to act as motivators to motivate households for segregating the wastes generated in their houses. They were also told that their role is vital in generating awareness amongst the citizens as they are the ones who visit every door in the town.
The last workshop with the members of SHGs was very much encouraging, because participation was overwhelming both in terms of numbers and valuable contributions to the strategy. They expressed that they would extend full cooperation and lead the "polythene hatao" campaign. It is our duty to free our town from the clutches of garbage but we need full cooperation from the sanitation workers," the women said and further added that, they would take care of their respective areas / wards. "But response from the office and sanitation workers should be at par with our enthusiasm," expressed the women when given the opportunity to speak their minds.
Medical Officer, NAC Dispensary Dr Siddharth Mahapatra coordinated all the workshops. "We will work hard to make Khariar clean. The sanitation workers would be divided into groups, each having the responsibility of certain Wards. The office staffs would also be given responsibility to supervise works at Ward level," said the Khariar NAC EO.