Lecture on “Clean Cities and Towns, A way Forward”

J&K Regional Branch of IIPA organized a lecture on “Clean Cities and Towns, A way Forward” by Dr G.N.Qasba, Senior Advisor Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe), New Delhi. Chander Mohan Gupta, Hon’ble Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest. The lecture was attended by Corporators, Students of Heritage School, Jodhamal Public School, JK Public School, members of the IIPA and members of the civil society. The Programme was organized under the guidance of Dr Ashok Bhan, Patron IIPA J&K Regional Branch. In his lecture, Dr Qasba informed the audience of the scope and duties of stake holders under “Solid Waste Management Rules 2016”, whereby the responsibility of waste disposal has shifted to the generator of waste from the municipal bodies. He stated that Jammu city is generating about 400mt of waste per day out of which 240mt’s is organic waste and can be treated and converted to organic compost with appropriate measures. He appreciated the introduction of “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and its role in increasing awareness of cleanliness among people. He shared the path-breaking initiatives taken by the Muncipal bodies of Indore and Ahmadabad for waste management including mobile composting and ATMs to deposit used PET bottles against which the depositer would get credit on their mobiles. He also elaborated how used plastic was being processed into pellets and recycled for blending in cement and as an input in road building. He suggested all 75 wards of Jammu should have a composter each. In his remarks, Chander Mohan Gupta, Hon’ble Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation called for a massive public private cooperation in keeping the city clean. He further mentioned that every ward had been provided with a dedicated auto rickshaw for garbage removal from narrow lanes in addition to other vehicles. A system for collection and disposal of spent flowers from temples has also been put in place. The Mayor also stressed on the difficulties being faced by JMC like shortage staff, lack of adequate funding and short tenure of Municipal Commissioners. He avowed to make Jammu a clean city with the active co-operation of people especially students. Vinod Malhotra, Former Development Commissioner J&K in his opening remarks, emphasized on taking a holistic approach to ensure cleanliness in urban areas. Besides efficient collection, disposal and processing of solid and liquid wastes in our cities, he remarked that stringent steps like use of clean fuels like CNG in Public Transport vehicles and increasing green areas in urban areas need to be taken to check air pollution levels. While Sameer Rekhi Honorary Secretary IIPA J&K Regional Branch presented the formal vote of thanks, Vikrant Kuthiala, Hony Treasurer, conducted the proceedings of the function.