Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Initiates Ambitious Cleanliness Drive
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a significant initiative to address urban waste management by identifying approximately 120 garbage vulnerable points (GVPs) across the city. These sites, notorious for accumulating waste, are slated for a comprehensive mass cleaning operation within the next week. Following the cleanup, the BMC plans to transform these areas into aesthetically pleasing landscapes, enhancing the city's green cover and public amenities.
Strategic Cleaning and Beautification Plan
BMC Additional Commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash detailed the corporation's approach, stating that two such garbage-generating points have been pinpointed in each ward for this special drive. The goal is to not only clear the waste but to repurpose these spaces into neighborhood parks and hangout zones through dedicated beautification efforts. Dash emphasized that the process will involve thorough cleaning of vacant spaces that have deteriorated into GVPs, followed by the implementation of beautification projects. This dual strategy aims to eliminate dump yards while providing residents with accessible, greener environments.
The identification of GVPs was based on a meticulous survey conducted by field-level sanitation teams, ensuring targeted and effective intervention. To support this initiative, the BMC has deployed its entire sanitary workforce, who will carry out the cleaning drive with precision and efficiency.
Advanced Machinery and Innovative Initiatives
In a move to bolster the cleaning efforts, the BMC is utilizing two mechanical garbage suction machines, locally known as Jatayu, which are the first of their kind in Odisha. These machines are capable of sucking up to 273 cubic feet (equivalent to 100 kg) of waste per minute and can operate continuously for 10 hours. During the mass cleaning drive, the Jatayu machines will be employed to handle large volumes of waste swiftly and effectively.
Additionally, tractors and tippers will be used for the quick transportation of waste from the GVPs to disposal sites, ensuring that the cleanup process is both rapid and thorough. Dash highlighted that this integrated approach will facilitate a seamless transition from waste-ridden areas to clean, usable spaces.
Broader Cleanliness and Compliance Measures
Beyond the GVP transformation, the BMC is expanding its cleanliness drive to include other urban maintenance tasks. Officials have announced plans to remove papers pasted on walls, clear weeds from flyover walls, and clean up dry leaves accumulated under trees. These efforts are part of a holistic strategy to improve the city's overall hygiene and aesthetic appeal.
To ensure accountability and transparency, sanitary inspectors have been instructed to prepare compliance reports for each GVP. These reports will include photographs taken before and after the cleaning, which will be uploaded to the dedicated Swachhata web portal. This system will allow higher authorities to monitor progress and verify that each site has been successfully cleaned and beautified.
Zero-Waste School Initiative
In a parallel effort to promote sustainable waste management, the BMC is introducing a zero-waste school initiative. This program aims to ensure that waste generated from schools is properly managed and not littered, fostering environmental awareness among students and staff. By integrating educational institutions into the city's waste management framework, the BMC hopes to instill long-term habits of cleanliness and responsibility.
The combination of targeted cleaning, advanced technology, and community engagement positions Bhubaneswar as a leader in urban sanitation and green development. As the BMC moves forward with this week-long drive, residents can look forward to cleaner, more vibrant public spaces that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
