Rohtak's Swachh Survekshan Drive Marred by Persistent Waste Collection Delays
The Rohtak Municipal Corporation (MC) has ramped up its cleanliness initiatives in a bid to enhance the city's ranking in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025-26. Despite these efforts, residents are voicing frustration over significant delays in garbage collection at several dumping points across the city, undermining the sanitation push.
Uncollected Garbage and Stray Cattle Pose Health Risks
On a recent Sunday, garbage remained unattended for hours at multiple locations, including outside Bal Bhawan, near Chhotu Ram Stadium, adjacent to the Civil Hospital, and along Jhajjar Road. Stray cattle were observed rummaging through the waste, exacerbating public health concerns and creating unsanitary conditions. Prem Singh, a local resident, highlighted that such delays are not isolated to weekends, stating, "The foul smell from uncollected waste affects road users and nearby residents regularly. The MC must ensure more frequent lifting to mitigate these issues."
Municipal Corporation's Response and Ongoing Measures
In response to these complaints, Vipin Narwal, the MC spokesperson, asserted that garbage is lifted multiple times daily from all dumping points to maintain hygiene. He noted that road-sweeping work is being conducted citywide under official supervision, with waste from main markets collected twice a day. Additionally, Narwal mentioned that five dumping sites have already been covered to prevent litter spillage, with the remaining points slated for similar treatment in the near future.
Special Sanitation Drives and Enforcement Actions
MC Commissioner Anand Kumar Sharma emphasized that special sanitation drives are underway to transform Rohtak into a clean, beautiful, and pollution-free city. As part of these efforts, inspection teams are actively penalizing violations:
- Issuing challans for garbage burning, with one recent fine amounting to Rs 5,000.
- Penalizing the sale of single-use plastic, with three challans of Rs 1,500 each.
- Fining individuals for littering, with three challans of Rs 700 each.
Sharma warned that such activities not only breach sanitation rules but also harm the environment and public health.
Door-to-Door Source Segregation Campaign
To bolster waste management, the MC has launched a door-to-door source segregation campaign. Municipal teams are educating residents on separating wet and dry waste at home, advising the use of dual dustbins for proper disposal and recycling. During these visits, households failing to segregate waste receive on-the-spot guidance to adopt this practice, aiming to enhance overall sanitation efficiency.
While the Rohtak MC's initiatives reflect a strong commitment to improving urban cleanliness, the persistent delays in waste collection highlight ongoing challenges that need urgent addressing to achieve the goals of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 and ensure a healthier environment for all citizens.
