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However, even as the Chandigarh MC has set July as the deadline to provide SSKs in all residential areas, the project has hit a roadblock.
Residents in some sectors grumble that SSK would result in dirt and filth in the colony premises.
MC officials feel that active participation of residents is required for successful implementation of the project.
The MC plans to engage NGOs and welfare associations to inform citizens about proper disposal of waste.
Even though Sectors 27, 28, 15 and 35 have been declared bin-free, the problem of segregation of waste still persists in these sectors.
MC sources said during the recent meeting of the CPCB, MC and UT officials, Mayor Pardeep Chhabra had called for active participation of residents in the scheme to give city a cleaner look.
Problem areas
Nearly 28 SSKs are functioning in the city. The MC has proposed the construction of more than a dozen SSKs. Councillor Surinder Kumar Jagota, who represents Sectors 23, 24 and 36 in the MC, said an SSK could be constructed only in Sector 36. He added that SSKs could not be built in other sectors due to stiff opposition from the area residents.
Another Councillor Vijay Singh Rana said residents are opposing the creation of SSKs as the MC would not ensure their proper cleanliness as the office of Medical Officer Health is already short of sanitation staff.
"Who would like to have a garbage collection centre near his home which emanates foul smell," he said.
Officialspeak
The MC officials said to remove the existing problem; now a decision has been taken to outsource the maintenance and cleanliness of SSKs to private organisations. Officials said once the SSKs present neat and clean look, the residents of the areas where such facility has yet to come up too will be encouraged to have such garbage collection centres.
Mayor Pardeep Chhabra said the scheme would bring in a welcome change. He said once the private organisations are engaged to clean SSKs, it will become their duty and responsibility to ensure day-to-day cleanliness and maintenance.
"When residents will find out that SSKs are no longer present filthy look, they too will be motivated and will not oppose the construction of SSKs in their neighbourhood.
We have already floated tenders and are waiting for response. We hope to hand over the maintenance of SSKs to private companies by April next," he added.
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