Mumbai: The BMC has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero waste by 2030, but numerous pilot projects aimed at promoting waste segregation have struggled to deliver. The dry and wet waste segregated by residents often gets mixed in the compactor, raising serious concerns about the city’s waste management strategy, claimed former corporators and activists.

About The Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2000 Rule

The Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2000, mandate all local bodies to scientifically treat waste and provide infrastructure for segregation, collection and transportation. However, the BMC’s efforts to make all the housing societies and commercial establishments larger than 20,000 sq m or those producing more than 100 kg to start segregating and composting waste in their premises failed badly post Covid.

Civic sources indicate that currently, less than 50% of these bulk generators comply with the regulations. Despite several cleanliness drives, the city’s ranking in the national ‘Swachh Survekshan’ declined last year, with the BMC scoring only 65% in source segregation. Activists and ex-corporators attribute this dismal performance to the apathy of civic officials and a lack of strategic planning.

Key changes are necessary, including amending the 2016 Solid Waste Management bylaws to empower the civic body to impose fines on violators.

Statement Of Ravi Raja, Former Opposition Leader In The BMC

Former opposition leader in the BMC, Ravi Raja said, “What’s the use of residents segregating waste if it gets mixed in the compactor? Some compactors have separate chambers, but are hardly used.”

Even if kept apart, their ultimate destination is the landfill. The BMC’s plan to make the city garbage-free has failed miserably as large piles of waste can be seen on the streets, he added.

Statement Of EX-BJP Corporator Vinod Mishra

Ex-BJP corporator Vinod Mishra added, “The capacity of vehicles for dry waste is nowhere near their wet waste counterparts. How can the BMC achieve its zero garbage target if the necessary equipment isn’t provided? People aren’t used to storing their waste, so dry waste ends up being picked up by the wet waste compactor.”

Vinod Gholap from the Fight for Right Foundation slammed the BMC for not providing any guidance or support to the citizens on waste segregation.

“Instead of addressing its own failures, the civic body now seeks to penalise citizens,” said Gholap. A senior civic official said, “While it’s true that segregated garbage sometimes gets mixed in the compactors, we now have four-five dedicated vehicles in each ward for collecting dry waste. We are also raising awareness among housing societies.”

Communal tension erupted in Bhiwandi late Tuesday night after stones were thrown at a Ganesh idol, damaging it near Hindustani Mosque during the Ganpati immersion procession.

Outraged by the incident, the Ganesh Mandal demanded the arrest of those responsible and refused to continue with the immersion. Police intervened, resorting to a lathi charge to control the crowd, with several injuries reported.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Additional Commissioner of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan stated that the Ganpati immersion procession had begun peacefully near Hindustani Mosque and was progressing smoothly. However, the situation escalated after a stone was thrown, leading to disputes and altercations among some individuals, which caused a commotion.

“The situation is now under control, and those involved in the disturbances are being identified for legal action. Some individuals have been detained for questioning, and further actions will follow,” he added.

According to reports, similar incidents of stone-pelting occurred in various other parts of Maharashtra. In Lagaon Jamod town, some youths were reportedly injured after stones were thrown at them around 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the Chubhara area.

Another such incident was also reported from the Buldhana region.

The Bhiwandi incident has stirred outrage on social media, with many users demanding strict action against the miscreants.

According to local reports, BJP MLA Mahesh Prabhakar Choughule visited the site after the incident. Hindu activists were reportedly heard raising “Jai Shree Ram” slogans.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday arrived at the Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai to participate in the ‘Swachhata hi Seva’ drive.

The Thane Municipal Corporation launched the Swachhata hi Seva campaign on Tuesday, with Maharashtra’s Chief Minister highlighting the significance of cleanliness in the daily lives of citizens.

As part of the campaign, the Maharashtra Chief Minister, joined by other party members, took part in a cleanliness drive at Girgaon Chowpatty, where he was seen collecting waste in garbage bags.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Hails The Cleanliness Initiative Launched By PM Modi

Shinde, hailing the cleanliness initiative launched by the Prime Minister, said, “PM Modi started this campaign in 2014-2015. A lot of people made several comments then. But today we all can see that this campaign is very successful not just in Mumbai but in the entire country”.

He expressed his gratitude to the cleaning staff, stating, “The true youth of Maharashtra are its sweepers…”

10th Anniversary Of The Launch Of The Swachh Bharat Mission

Notably, This year is the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The campaign of Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign, 2024 (SHS 2024) will continue from September 17 till October

About Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, launched by the Government of India, aims to promote cleanliness and sanitation across the country. This initiative encourages citizens to actively participate in maintaining a clean environment, highlighting the importance of hygiene in public health.

The Department of Health Research is also organising the Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign, 2024 from September 17 to September to October 2.

In this campaign, the Department and its autonomous body, ICMR, along with its 27 institutes across the nation, will work together to ensure widespread engagement and participation from every citizen, community, and organisation during the fortnight.

Three key pillars of this campaign are Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) — Shramdaan activities focused on the time-bound transformation of specific target units and overall cleanliness.

Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari — Public participation, awareness, and advocacy, engaging citizens in cleanliness efforts through various participatory activities.