EDMC to outsource solid waste, toilet management

THE CIVIC BODY IS PLANNING A HOST OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE ITS CLEANLINESS RANKINGS NEXT YEAR

NEWDELHI: Learning from its dismal performance in the Swachchta Survekshan 2018, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) plans to outsource some of its services, including solid waste management and maintenance of toilets, to improve its ranking next year.

Three civic agencies in Delhi improved their rankings in the Swachchta Survekshan 2018, which rated cities on various aspects of urban sanitation.

But the EDMC slipped from number 196 to 341.

“Slipping down from 196 to 341 in the ranking is a serious concern. To improve our ranking in 2019, we have started reviewing past activities. We are working on some proposals to improve the quality of services,” Ranbir Singh, commissioner of EDMC, said.

Singh held a review meeting with all departmental heads on Thursday. Officials said the commissioner expressed his concern over the poor condition of toilets.

“Proposals are being consid-

ered to outsource the construction of new toilets and the maintenance of both new and existing ones. In another proposal, the solid waste management system – from segregation and door-todoor collection of waste till it reaches the waste to energy plants and ultimately the landfill sites — would be also be outsourced,” he said.

The cleanliness ranking has more than a dozen parameters to access the quality of civic bodies across India. In the 2019 survey, the civic agencies would have to upload their data on a portal after which observers would make field visits to verify their claims.

The feedback of citizens is also taken. Observers will also check for open defecation.

“There are around 13 parameters based on which the rankings are made. This time we are planning to appoint one official as the nodal officer for each parameter. The officer would be held accountable for the quality of services in that parameter,” Singh said.

Stress is also being given on public involvement and awareness. The civic body would approach RWAS and market associations to start a social media campaign. Students would be also involved.