LMC concerned due to failure of ‘Swachhgrahi’ sanitation model
LUCKNOW: Six months after the Lucknow Municipal Corporation deployed around 1,100 Swachhgrahis (cleanliness volunteers), to supervise sanitation work, generate awareness and give inputs on problem areas and possible solutions, the state capital continues to be as dirty as ever.
Just as the Satyagrahis had fought the British for the country’s independence, the Swachhgrahis were supposed to fight filth in all the 110 municipal wards of the city.
However, the harsh reality that the volunteers had failed to make any difference in achieving cleanliness targets dawned on the municipal body after Lucknow was ranked 269 in the sanitation index.
Critics say that Swachhgrahis failed to understand the criteria on which the sanitation rankings were to be decided.
However, what should be noted is that volunteers were not trained at all.
In addition, they were expected to work like full-time employees without any emolument or stipend.
“That’s why most of them never took any interest in highlighting the shortcomings of the sanitation system. Most never tabled any report, never came out with any idea to improve the situation,” said an LMC official.
Concerned with the failure of the Swachhagrahi model, the municipal commissioner, Udaiiraj Singh, has demanded a detailed report from the chief environment engineer, Pankaj Bhushan.
Bhushan has been directed to ensure that the Swachhgrahis feel pride in their work and receive training.
The municipal commissioner has also instructed that nonperforming Swachhgrahis should be replaced with volunteers who can give time and deliver good results.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SWACHHGRAHIS
The environment engineer said, “Swachhgrahis are responsible for creating awareness on sanitation among the residents. They are also supposed to ensure proper disposal of domestic refuse, and motivate people to stop open defecation, built toilets in their houses and keep surroundings clean.”
In addition, they are expected to stop residents, shopkeepers and staff of commercial establishments such as marriage halls from dumping solid waste in public places.
They are also supposed to send a daily report, however, most volunteers have not done so.
“The work is voluntary with no payment. Perhaps this is the reason behind the disinterest shown by volunteers,” said Bhushan.
Each municipal ward has 10 volunteers who are given t-shirts, identity cards and caps by LMC.
WHAT NEXT?
Now, the municipal corporation has decided to organise a zonewise training programme for Swachhgrahis. The aim is to make them more professional in their work.
“We want them to be more accountable and realise their responsibility towards the mission of keeping the city clean. If they cannot give time to this work, the corporation will replace them with others who can give better results in improving the cleanliness levels,” said Bhushan.