Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 July 2024
In a bid to establish Port Blair as the cleanest city in India, A & N Administration has launched an aggressive campaign focused on zero tolerance for littering. Under the directive of the Chief Secretary, twelve teams have been constituted to inspect and improve existing solid waste management facilities, including Door-to-Door Collection (DRCs) and landfill sites.
These teams, led by senior officers, are tasked with evaluating the efficiency of current waste management practices and recommending enhancements. Their responsibilities also extend to inspecting the door-to-door collection system and identifying public dumping hotspots.
On July 8, a team comprising Mr. B.S. Jaglan, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, and Ms. Sapna Priya, DANICS, conducted inspections in Wards 1, 2, and 3 of Port Blair. The team discovered significant amounts of solid waste on roadsides and in drains. Additionally, several vacant plots were being misused as dumping grounds by residents. Garbage accumulation was also noted in front of shops, hotels, and residences.
The inspection revealed non-compliance with waste segregation guidelines among shop proprietors, who were not properly separating wet and dry waste. In response, the team directed the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) Inspector to issue on-the-spot fines to offenders. Nine shop owners received challans of Rs 500 each for violations. All shopkeepers and residents were reminded to adhere to solid waste management guidelines by using separate bins for dry and wet waste.
The administration remains committed to implementing effective waste management strategies and will continue to monitor and enhance these efforts. The Chief Secretary urges all residents to actively participate in the cleanliness drive to maintain a neat, clean, and garbage-free city. By doing so, the community can contribute to making Port Blair one of the best cities in the country.