Berhampur: In a concerted effort to elevate sanitation standards and streamline existing systems, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has initiated a comprehensive project with a budget allocation of Rs 29.42 crore.
Launched on Friday, the project strategically divides the city into five zones to facilitate efficient sanitation management. Responsibilities for sanitation works within these zones have been assigned to three agencies – Pratyush, Safai Abhiyan, and PMR Consortium. Pratyush will oversee zones 1 and 2, Safai Abhiyan for zone 3, and PMR Consortium for zones 4 and 5.
To bolster the execution of the project, BeMC has outlined plans to augment the fleet of garbage collection vehicles from 53 to 132, while the number of sanitation workers will witness an increase from 986 to 1,336. A notable aspect of the initiative involves intensifying sweeping activities in commercial and market areas, now scheduled three times daily.
In an effort to enhance community involvement, self-help groups (SHGs) will actively participate in monitoring and supervising waste transportation and segregation from households to transfer stations. To ensure transparency and quick grievance resolution, each ward will have a dedicated transparency board displaying crucial contact details of sanitation agencies. Complaints or issues raised will be addressed within 24 hours by the designated sanitation service provider.
Recognizing the significance of timely and satisfactory service delivery, BeMC has introduced penalties for providers neglecting their duties. Furthermore, the project includes plans for waste collection from narrow lanes and by-lanes, hitherto inaccessible by conventional door-to-door vehicles. This comprehensive approach signifies BeMC’s commitment to creating a cleaner and more efficient urban environment for its residents.