Sultanpur Lodhi, November 6, 2019 (Yes Punjab News)
To give a memorable experience to the pilgrims visiting Sultanpur Lodhi for Guru Nank Dev Ji’s 550th Gurpurab celebrations, government of Punjab has undertaken substantial steps to upgrade the existing infrastructure and all the concerned departments are putting their best efforts in this regard. Particular attention is being paid to Solid Waste Management by the department of local government.
Krystal Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, the company which managed the cleanliness at historic Kumbh fair, has been awarded the contract by the department for providing manpower and maintaining the housekeeping/cleaning staff. This manpower has been trained for street sweeping, litter clearing, packing of liner bags from the source dustbin and its transportation to the dumpsite.
More than 4500 persons have been hired to keep the holy city clean during next 20 days by performing their duties in 3 shifts for round the clock cleaning of the city. Experienced managerial team of 55 from Krystal is stationed here to manage the day to day affairs.
In order to provide zero-garbage and waste recycling culture, around 200 composting pits are being constructed in langars to treat the food waste generated. Public toilets have also been created at the city points with staff deployed all around to ensure the cleanliness and zero- odour. The use of single-use plastic has been banned in the city with volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra doing rounds to keep a vigilant check on the same.
More than 150 senior officers of the Dept. of Local Government have been given the responsibility of the 15 sectors in the event to supervise the Solid Waste Management process effectively in shifts. These officers will also look after street lighting, public information display boards etc. A WhatsApp group of all officers has been created for coordinated work.
Deputy director local government Barjinder Singh revealed that 45 E-rehris have been procured to transport and transfer the solid waste in closed container facility from the source dustbin to the destination. This comes as a first in the whole state promoting the use of e- vehicles and marks the commitment towards an eco-friendly environment. As many as 26 Tata Ace’s have also been procured for the same job, he added.
“More than 3000 dustbin units have been placed at different points inside and outside the city covering all parking lots, Langar, bus stand, railway station and other important places”, said Singh, informing that only bio-degradable liner bags were being used in these dustbins with a change scheduled at every 6 hours or as per requirement.
All the vehicles including the fire brigades have been wired with GPS tracker to monitor their movement, he said. In order to cover, any fire eventuality during the event 31 fire tenders with 179 fire personnels have been placed at different sites all across the city premises.
Meanwhile the department has started 24-hour toll free number (1800-3302-550), and a hotline(01828-222050) at Sultanpur Lodhi municipal office to receive and address public grievances.
