The Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department has issued a directive to commissioners of all urban local bodies (ULBs) in Tamil Nadu, requiring them to be in the field before 7 am every day. The move aims to enhance monitoring of civic services, sanitation, and infrastructure works across the state.
Enhanced Field Inspections and Grievance Redressal
In a communication addressed to commissioners, engineers, and officials, MAWS secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi instructed officers to conduct regular field inspections and accord top priority to public grievances related to water supply, solid and liquid waste management, potholes, streetlights, and other civic issues. The directive emphasizes the need for proactive engagement with citizens to address their concerns promptly.
Accountability Measures
To improve accountability, local bodies have been asked to regularly verify attendance records and cross-check biometric data with actual staff presence. This step is intended to eliminate ghost entries and ensure that all personnel are fulfilling their duties. Commissioners have also been directed to review sand sweeping operations and strengthen efforts to improve greenery by utilizing open space reservation (OSR) lands, waterbodies, and avenue spaces.
The department specified that only saplings taller than five feet should be planted and maintained. Where feasible, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds should be tapped to support these greening initiatives. Additionally, the communication called for the beautification of traffic islands with greenery, fountains, and lighting, and directed local bodies to remove unauthorized posters daily. Posters will be permitted only in designated locations.
Weekly Reviews and Monitoring
ULBs have been instructed to hold detailed conservancy review meetings every Saturday to assess source segregation, composting, biomining, and road-cleaning activities. Weekly reviews of revenue collection and defaulters have also been mandated to ensure financial discipline and timely recovery of dues.
Transparency in Approvals and Inspections
The department stressed transparency and timely disposal of building plan approvals, warning against delays and unnecessary queries. Regular and surprise inspections of hospitals and schools have been ordered to improve infrastructure and service quality. These inspections aim to identify deficiencies and ensure compliance with standards.
Stray Dog Control and Project Execution
Commissioners have also been asked to monitor stray dog control measures and the animal birth control programme. Ensuring quality and timely execution of road, water supply, underground sewerage, and building projects through regular field inspections and technical checks is another key focus area.
