The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has taken a significant step to overhaul its solid waste management system by formally requesting the state government for a major infusion of resources. The move aims to phase out outdated pushcarts and enhance daily garbage collection efficiency across the city.
Corporation's Dual Challenge: Vehicles and Vacancies
Municipal Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran confirmed that a proposal has been sent to the state seeking nearly 200 light commercial vehicles. These vehicles are intended to modernize waste collection by replacing the traditional pushcarts currently in use. However, Prabakaran highlighted a persistent hurdle, stating that while additional vehicles are likely to be sanctioned, the acute manpower shortage will continue to be a problem.
He explained that the state government sanctioned fewer vehicles than the corporation initially requested. This decision was based on a review of contract terms, overall costs, and other logistical factors. The commissioner's statement underscores a gap between the city's needs and the resources being allocated.
Severe Staffing Shortfall Exposes Systemic Issues
A senior corporation official revealed the staggering scale of the human resource crisis. To manage waste effectively for Coimbatore's growing population, the civic body might require an additional 3,000 sanitation workers. This need is over and above the existing workforce of approximately 5,000, which includes both permanent and contract employees.
The official pointed out a critical drain on experienced staff, noting that many permanent workers have retired, and their positions remain vacant. The corporation has plans to submit a separate proposal requesting more manpower. However, there is considerable uncertainty about how many posts will be approved or if the proposal will be accepted at all.
Councillors Voice Public Frustration Over Inadequate Service
The resource crunch is felt acutely at the ward level, where daily garbage collection is directly impacted. A councillor from the North Zone echoed the concerns of many elected representatives, emphasizing that deploying more sanitation workers is essential for effective execution.
"Waste management cannot be done only with vehicles; it requires people, too," the councillor stated. He argued that the current workforce is insufficient for the city's population and highlighted a worrying trend: In many wards, the number of permanent staff has been reduced. Councillors are now constantly appealing to the corporation administration to address this critical shortage of personnel on the ground.
The situation presents a clear challenge for Coimbatore's civic administration. While modernizing the fleet of waste collection vehicles is a positive step, the success of the initiative hinges on securing adequate human resources. The city's ability to maintain cleanliness and public health now depends heavily on the state government's response to these twin proposals for vehicles and workers.
