GUWAHATI, Sept 2 � After a failed attempt at streamlining the solid waste management of Guwahati city through a private firm, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation�s new mechanism of waste collection is drawing the ire of various segments.
The categorization of waste generators and charges levied on such industries or installations are not only confusing the tax payers but also defying any logic.
The new rate chart prepared by the Corporation has put the newspaper offices-cum-press in the same category as big hospitals that generate medical waste requiring a separate segregation and disposal mechanism altogether. Per month charge levied on such installations is Rs 5,000. Big residential schools, marriage halls and big hotels also fall in this category, which generate a much higher volume of waste.
Instead of determining the users� charges on the nature or volume of the waste, area of the installation or some other parameters, the Corporation has prepared the new rate chart on the basis of the assessments prepared by the Ramky group, which was earlier entrusted with the task of solid waste management in Guwahati.
The random list categorises installations such as �big shops� and �small shops� without explaining about the area of such shops or the type of garbage generated by such shops. Instead, the list randomly includes the names of some of such installations that utterly confuse the common people.
According to the sources within the Corporation, the GMC has received objections from various segments on the new rate fixed for door-to-door garbage collection.
�We are considering the review of this mechanism and make some modification in view of the objections received,� said the GMC sources.
The Corporation has engaged NGOs for the purpose of door-to-door waste collection and users� charge levied per households is Rs 30. �GMC should install adequate number of litter bins first and arrange for regular cleaning and replacement of such dustbins,� said a resident of Ulubari area.
