Is NDMC's New Cleanliness Drive Enough to Tackle Back-Lane Debris?

New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) initiated a comprehensive cleanliness campaign focused on the back-lanes of its jurisdiction on Thursday, as confirmed by an official. This initiative is a part of a broader strategy that involves collaboration among departments such as horticulture, sanitation, civil engineering, and enforcement.

The civic body had previously launched a citywide Mega Cleanliness - Shramdan Drive on May 5 across its 14 sanitation circles. This initiative engages employees, students, teachers, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and Market Traders Associations (MTAs) every day from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

With the back lane cleanliness initiative, the NDMC aims to address the issue of construction and demolition (C&D) waste specifically.

Prominent figures, including Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, are actively participating in this cleanliness effort.

During the Shramdan - Cleanliness Drive, the NDMC mobilizes its workforce across various locations including roads, circles, roundabouts, parks, gardens, hospitals, dispensaries, electric substations, office buildings, residential complexes, and commercial hubs to prioritize the removal of garbage, construction debris, plastic waste, and horticultural refuse. They also focus on repairing and maintaining footpaths, underpasses, subways, schools, government buildings, and places of worship.

In NDMC's jurisdiction, construction and repair sites generate an estimated 500-700 metric tonnes of C&D waste monthly, comprising materials like concrete, asphalt, wood, metals, and other debris.

If not managed properly, C&D waste can pollute air and water sources and harm urban ecosystems. However, recycling and reusing this waste can reduce the demand for new materials and lower construction costs.

Illegally dumped C&D waste can create public health hazards by fostering environments for pests and attracting wildlife. The NDMC is enforcing regulations to curb illegal dumping of C&D waste and penalizing offenders.

To tackle this issue, the NDMC is collaborating with waste management agencies for effective processing of C&D waste, transforming debris into reusable resources.

Additionally, they are working alongside dedicated C&D waste processing facilities of the MCD to manage the waste stream efficiently. The NDMC has established 14 collection points for C&D waste within each sanitation circle, enhancing the ease for residents to responsibly dispose of their debris.