As the volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste produced in the city is increasing gradually, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has decided to set up 17 more separate locations for the disposal of such waste at different wards. At present, the civic body has about 20 sites designated for this purpose, but officials say these are proving to be insufficient in view of the intensification of construction activity, thus requiring more collection points.
The B&R (Building and Road) wing of the MC has begun scouting for proper spots for the new sites on the basis of feasibility. After getting finalised, proposals will be sent to the Urban Planning Department for the green light as the issue pertains to the allocation of land.
The letter in detail issued to the MC executive engineering officers reads, "Under the contract agreement, the hired agency has to construct 17 additional C&D waste collection points in various wards under MC, Chandigarh, within the jurisdiction of your respective offices. The hired agency's letter intimated that 40% of the aforementioned work is already completed, but remaining work is still pending, as the agency has not been provided access to the allocated sites, and to date, the sites have not been allocated to the agency."
The letter, emphasising the seriousness of the situation, stated, "It is therefore again requested to personally look into the matter to allocate the sites for construction of C&D waste collection points, so that work may be executed on-site at the earliest. Moreover, if the sites have already been allocated to the agency, the status of work executed under your office may please be intimated, as higher authorities have desired the same. Treat it as most urgent and immediate, please."
According to TOI, MC sources informed that Chandigarh had 35 wards and the aim was to have at least one C&D waste collection site in each ward. This would allow residents and contractors to easily and properly dispose of the construction waste and thus reduce illegal dumping and resulting environmental hazards.
MC through a tender process has already given the job to an agency for the construction of these sites and has issued specific drawings and guidelines for the work. It is stated by the officials that by increasing the number of points where the collection of waste will be carried out, the city will be able to waste manage in a better way which will be in accordance with the cleanliness drive of the city.
Improper handling of C&D waste can lead to serious environmental issues. As an example, the rubble can contaminate the soil and water, and emit harmful particles into the air. Besides it can cause the clogging of drainage systems creating health problems for the residents of the area. The MC's decision to set up more C&D waste collection points shows that the Chandigarh municipal corporation is committed to sustainable urban planning.
Authorities mentioned that the on-time finishing of the 17 new locations was their top priority if they were able to follow the construction progress of the city that keeps growing. With the aim of facilitating the request for waste disposal in each district, the MC wants to establish a condition in which both technicians and inhabitants will be willing to use the correct methods of solid waste disposal, thereby decreasing illegal dumping and the dangers resulting from it.
It is expected that residents and construction companies will lend their support to the MC by using these new collection points in a responsible manner. If everything goes as planned, these additional sites will not only make waste management more efficient but also lead to a better environment quality in the city.
By doing this, Chandigarh is putting itself in a leading position when it comes to the responsible disposal of C&D waste and, therefore, is setting an example for other Indian cities which are facing similar problems. The MC, by giving high priority to proper waste management, strives to allow urban development to go hand in hand with environmental protection and the use of sustainable practices.
.png)