Meeting between the MCGM and NGO Council regarding Cleanliness at 9:00
am on 28th Oct. 2005 at the MCGM Meeting Room, 3rd
Floor, Annex
Building .
At 9:00 am, there were 39 persons present;
from the NGO Council:
Vinay, Sudheendra, Jyoti, Gerson, Harshad,
Shanta, Vinda, Janet, Almitra, Liza, Ragini, Ashok Dattar, Madhu
Savant, Tanya, ______, (Reefwatch), Rajkumar
From the MCGM:
Mr.Ratho, AMC, Mr.Sanglikar, DMC (Env.), Amol
Gogate (McKinsey), Mr.Gupta, Mr.Paradkar, Ms.Mhatre (taking down
minutes), Mr.Parelkar, Mr.Chaudhrey, EE, SWM, _____, CE, SWM,
Mr.Damle, K(Ward), Mr.Pawar, Zone IV, _____, AE – Ghatkopar, _____AE,
S-Ward, ________, AE, ________ EE, Zone IV, _______ EE, Zone I,
Mr.Pimpale, EE, _________, Deputy CE, _______, Sub.Eng., Mr.Dalvi,
EE, Zone IV, Mr.Deshpande, SWM, Mr.Sadekar, SWM, City, Mr,Lavekar,
SWM, Mr.Thakur, SWM, Western Suburbs, ________ EE, Zone II, ________,
SWM, Mr.Ahatre, EE, Mr.Kulkarni, EE, Transport
Ratho
:I welcome you all to today’s meeting where we will be
having 2 meetings in 1. The first part is the normal review meeting
that we hold every Friday for SWM officers. It is a good idea
to have NGO”s present at this review so that all the theories
of MCGM’s hidden agendas can be put to rest. An internal review
in the presence of others is a good practice. The observers (NGO
Council members) may note down observations/remarks that will
be discussed in the second part of the meeting.
Let us start with the cleanliness of the key roads – the
DE is supposed to monitor these in the City, Eastern Suburbs,
and Western Suburbs.
Parikh:
In the City, we have identified 9 key roads where cleanliness
is to be maintained. This is to be done in 3 ways:
i) debris – to be removed within 24 hrs.
Of the 9 roads, debris removed from all roads except Mahim-Dharavi
ii) elimination of bins on key roads
iii) substitute with hs. to hs. Collection
Elimination
of 10 spots in each ward. The City area has 9 wards. In each ward
we have identified 10 spots (under Parivartan project) where bins
are to removed by providing the alternative of hs-to-hs collection.
The AE (Env) is posted for this work, and above him the EE of
Zone 1 and 2. The AE (Env) has taken the responsibility of 10
roads (list) with targets to remove spots by Oct.31st
Progress report:
|
Ward
|
Target
no
|
No.
Removed
|
Remarks
|
|
A
|
9
|
6
|
|
|
B
|
7
|
2
|
Congested
ward
|
|
C
|
5
|
2
|
|
|
D
|
12
|
5
|
|
|
E
|
14
|
6
|
|
|
F
(S)
|
14
|
6
|
|
|
F
(N)
|
13
|
13
|
|
|
G(S)
|
45
|
32
|
|
|
G(N)
|
12
|
3
|
|
The
method of removing the spots: first a survey is conducted, to
put into place the alternative method of house-to-house collection,
where the details like number of vehicles, no. of households,
etc. is obtained.
Ratho
:From Feb-Mar we will be having a new system in place with
emphasis on hs-to-hs collection, and hence reduction of garbage.
We are also working on the change of the contracts that are currently
based on the tonnage system. In the meantime, we have instructed
the Wards to take responsibility of as many road-side bins, and
eliminate them, despite the constraints of the existing contract
systems.
Thakur
: Western suburbs – from Bandra to Dahisar. The roads covered
under the Parivartan Prakalpan are are : SV Rd, Link Rd, Sahar
Rd, JVLR, Mathurdas Rd, Western Express Highway. By Feb., our
target is the elimination of visible waste. For this we need to
eliminate the spots that require teams to survey where the waste
is generated, and then undertake hs-to-hs collection. The project
is geared up with the existing resources at hand.. The target
for 31st Oct. was the elimination of 185 spots, of
which we have eliminated 42. The deluge of July 26th
caused an additional load on garbage collection and disposal.
By Nov. we expect to achieve our target.
In the 9 wards of the Western suburbs, on 10 roads, of
343 spots, we have eliminated 142, that is 45% of the total.
There is some problem about debris removal due to work
being carried out by MMRDA, and we have spoken to MMRDA about
this.
Ratho
: make sure that there is photo-documentation in all the
reports that you make.
Savale
: Eastern suburbs – Sion to Mulund, 10 roads selected,
of which one is the LBS Marg.
|
Road
|
target
|
Achieved
|
remarks
|
|
LBS Marg
|
60
|
10
|
|
|
Eastern Ex.Highway
|
10
|
5
|
|
|
Sion-Trombay Rd
|
19
|
5
|
|
|
Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Rd
|
9
|
0
|
Many unauthorized
hutments
|
|
Maulund Goregaon Link Rd
|
5
|
5
|
|
|
Naigoan Rd.
|
5
|
0
|
|
|
Gahtkopar
Andheri
|
5
|
0
|
|
|
Devidhar
|
5
|
0
|
|
Once
we remove the bins, we also train the public. We have printed
pamphlets for awareness, incl. vehicles with schedules that go
to collection spots for 10-15 minutes daily, Complete hs-to-hs
collection will take time. We have also started prabhat pheri
demonstrations. We need support from the public.
6
wards under Eastern suburbs:
|
Ward
|
No.
of spots
|
target
|
achieved
|
remarks
|
|
|
334
|
50
|
30
|
|
|
|
409
|
50
|
21
|
|
|
M
|
195
|
50
|
13
|
|
|
L
|
263
|
32
|
17
|
|
|
S
|
320
|
55
|
33
|
|
|
T
|
293
|
30
|
20
|
|
|
Total
|
1814
|
267
|
140
|
|
Sudheendra: Are
the pamphlets standardized for the entire city?
Ratho:
No, the pamphlets are not standardized. At the moment,
we are focusing on direct contact with people; observing who is
throwing the garbage, approaching them, providing alternate collection
methods. Initially even when the bins are removed, people continue
to throw at the same spots.
Parikh:
Summary for the entire city:
4689 bins – target of 756 for 31st Oct – 357
removed.
In the last 15 days, we have moved from 246 to 357 achieved.
The process was slow initially, but speeding up now.
(2) Toilet Up-Gradation
Ratho:
We have done a survey of the existing toilets, and prepared
a manual with specifications for the design, construction and
maintenance for these. We have also surveyed the existing pay
and use toilets and noted instances where they are not built nor
used as they should be, and we are taking action on these.
Bilder:
212 with the Sulabh International, and 490 with other NGO’s
have been given notices for improvement.
Ratho:
Are they cooperating?
Those who have done good work, we should show our appreciation,
take photographs of their work and showcase it. I have heard that
Sulabh is not cooperating. Why? They are supposed to be the torch-bearers.
Call for a meeting with them. Our own Ex. CE is associated with
Sulabh.
The AHS mandalis are doing this monitoring. Call them to
the next meeting.
3) Installation of Street Litter
Bins
City:
300 have been installed in A-ward. We are facing difficulties
in cleaning and manning for which we have appointed our own departmental
staff.
Ratho:
What difficulties?
City:
No equipment for cleaning, but we are planning to arrange
for it.
Ratho:
Planning is not enough
______:
From today we have planned for a tanker and 4 persons to
wash.
Ratho:
Ok, that’s for cleaning. What about collection? Who has
the keys?
____:
The keys are handed over to the JO’s for cleaning.
Ratho:
Rag-pickers will be interested in the contents of these
bins. What are we doing about this?
_____:
The contents are primarily bus tickets and not of any use.
Ratho:
Can the rag pickers reach in and pull out the contents?
_____:
No, that is difficult.
Ratho:
Then, the bins may be broken, if they are desperate.
I
suggest we link up with those Ngo’s who are already working with
rag pickers, and see that the rag pickers are involved as they
are interested in the contents, and for the reduction in waste
to the MCGM, we can pay the proportionate sum. Perhaps the keys
of the bins can be given to designated NGO’s. Involve the local
JO’s in selecting the rag pickers organizations.
Please do this coordination quickly, and for the installation
of the bins, do the planning first and then install. First stabilize
the 300 already installed, and then go ahead with more. Have the
Management of the bins in place first. If you need help in stabilizing
the bins, give a list of things that need to be done.
Amol:
10000 bins were to be installed. How many are done? 300
are installed. Around 5000 are waiting for delivery.
Ratho:
Delivery is not a problem. If demand is there, they will
be given.
K-West:
Regarding rag-pickers, in some areas, they are not part
of any organization, but they don’t allow others to come. For,
eg. Film City Road
.
Ratho:
One weakness of the rag pickers organizations is that they
cover only about 10% of the rag pickers in the city – the rest
are unorganized. It is accepted that rag pickers have territories,
whether organized or not. The question is how to bring them into
the loop so that we can address this locally.
Tell the concerned JO to decide locally – we can’t introduce
new people. We will work through local Rag pickers, (with NGO’s
or not) to achieve sorting of litter bin waste.
Seema Redkar: Most of the bins are with villages (like Santacruz village)
with 4-5 persons on a bin.
Ratho:
Our own local staff know of the ground situation. Use this
network/information, and do the work through local people – and
we will work out a system of payment.
Amol:
Has the procedure for installation been done? Is it being
done through Wards or Projects?
4. Uniforms and Implements
Sanglikar:
Sanction has been received. Have sent rate circular to
each section, which will directly collect the uniforms.
Ratho:
the physical chain is: Mr.Bilder will collect and give
out Ward wise to Head Sweeper, and he will give to sweeper. Are
there limited Numbers?
Sanglikar:
No, entire quantity is clear, and will be distributed as
per requisition.
JO’s or AHS’s will indent.
Ratho:
Colour is light green?
Bilder:
The workers have selected dark blue with an orange jacket.
Sudheendra: It
is important to note that for the first time the workers have
selected their uniform and implements themselves.
5. Contracts
a) Beach cleaning)
(Dadar, Mahim, Juhu, Versova, Chowpatty)
_______
:The difference in the new contracts that are being drawn
up is: more litter bins, beach cleaning, compacters, etc
Sanglikar:
New contract is output based, i.e. the beach has to be
zero garbage – whatever required for that is put in by contractor.
There is also a monitoring panel that includes local citizens,
the AE, Ward officer. There is a maintenance score card. The contract
is for “comprehensive cleanliness”, incl. slogans, publicity. In short,
whatever is required, has to be done, and end result is a zero
garbage beach.
K(Ward):
There is currently a court case on regarding the
Juhu Beach
– so we must take cognizance of the directives that
come.
Ratho:
We are not undertaking any construction, so doesn’t apply
in this case.
_____:
How to prove that the beach is clean? What are the parameters
to judge this?
Ratho:
Make the Contract document available to all. There are
several active Citizens Groups, like at Juhu, with Anand Desai,
and PK Das, and at Dadar, Mr.Khatte.
Since monitoring is subjective, involve the citizens.
This contract will start in January – before that, the
monitoring systems are to be put in place.
b) Highways
Mr.Lavekar: The
proposal for the mechanical sweeping contracts for Highways has
been put in.
Ratho:
I have spoken to Satish Mathur about the problems caused
to cleaning because of parking on alternate days, and he has agreed
to help.
Lavekar:
For the other 5 roads also the tender will be ready by
1st week of Nov., and the ad can be inserted in the
newspaper, with the deadline of 26th Dec.
Amol:
What is the time line for the purchase of the power sweeper?
Lavekar:
Target dates for:
Arterial roads:
1st June 2006
Highways:
1st March 2006
Amol:
Any problem faced due to parking on arterial roads?
Ratho:
If any problems faced due to parking, please mention and
I will speak to Mathur to sort it out.
K-Ward:
There is a problem faced by washing of parked vehicles
on the arterial roads that causes the area to look very dirty.
Ratho:
So get these vehicles removed. Why depend on the Traffic
Police? Why can’t MCGM undertake to remove them? Do we have towing
vehicles? If there is an expressed demand from Wards for towing
vehicles to stop this activity, we will hire towing vans and physically
remove these vehicles. We can’t expect the Police to do it always.
Further, such vehicles should be fined, as they are using
water from the manholes. Draw up a plan of action, I will assist
in getting it executed, by assigning a squad, or whatever is required.
Amol:
It is a twin problem of parking and washing, where parking
is allowed; but how can you physically stop the washing?
Ratho:
If this is proved to be a public nuisance, then we have
all the available resources to stop it. We will assist the Wards
in all ways; get the police involved, etc.
Debris
Kshatriya:
Policy Document draft has been prepared and circulated
to the apex committee. It has also been on the website since 7th
July 2005.
Ratho:
The contracts, etc will follow. We need to be able to enforce
the Policy.
_____:
we have issued a Circular, specifying the 2-3 things that
need to be done by people for disposal of debris.
Ratho:
What have you done for enforcement? To ensure separation
and collection?
In
the old system, silt, debris and garbage was all collected together,
as per the contract terms. It is common sense that these should
be separated. In the Western suburbs, the existing contracts are
to end shortly, and hence we had proposed new contracts that required
separation. However the Standing Committee has rejected that.
Almitra: That
is against the MSW Rules.
Ratho:
yes, we are aware of that, and hence we have asked for
an emergency meeting of the Standing Committee to ask them to
reconsider this contract.
Almitra:
Further, the contractor must not be paid on a weight basis,
but on a volume basis, where the weight must not exceed a specified
amount.
Ratho:
The Contractors have no objection with separation, but
they still mix the waste for profit. Hence they want to reject
these new contracts and carry on with the old ones. However we
have made it clear that the Standing Committee must take responsibility
and state clearly why the new contracts are rejected.
Amol:
On the 1st of Nov., the Implementation of the
Debris policy comes into effect. 2 circulars with guidelines are
to be issued.
Ratho:
the second circular is still to be issued. We need to fix
a date when people are ready for the implementation. Is ILFS here?
Next time, ILFS must also attend the meeting.
Amol:
What is the time line for debris?
_____:
31st Oct – last date for suggestions and objections
for debris Policy.
Ratho:
Give the Draft policy to the non-MCGM people here, and
have a special meeting for Debris. Can you get it circulated?
Amol:
But the dates of bids are not to be affected by this.
Vinay:
A meeting would be better; people will take it seriously.
Land-fills
Sanglikar:
by 31st Oct., the entire plan as well as programming
for the Landfills will be ready.
Ratho:
Shall we schedule a meeting for NGO feedback?
Sanglikar:
Let the plan come first from ILFS
Ratho:
Ok, there will be 2 meetings for:
i) Debris
ii) Landfill – based on the ILFS recommendations
New Contracts for Garbage Collection
_____:
By Feb-Mar, new contracts will be introduced. Our target
is 100% hs-to-hs collection, of which 50% target is for Oct.2006.
Some features of the new contract: 8 tonne compacter, rickshaw
system for slums, where Dattak Vasti is there, different vehicle
depending on type and width of roads, Ward-wise contracts; for
larger vehicles – directly take to land-fills. We have also planned
for variation – as a result of segregation, there will be a change
in the quantum of dry waste. The contractors have to adhere despite
this variation. Payment is related to the service, and not to
the weight.
Ratho:
The main change is that the tender is based on the number
of services. In each ward, we have Dept. vehicles and contractor’s
vehicles. With the help of route planning, we will assess the
no. of vehicles and their size reqd for collection, and based
on this plan, the tenders will be drawn up. MCGM to see that vehicles
are fully utilized. The variation clause is put in as we have
a target of 50% reduction in garbage in 5 years, and so that the
contractors are prepared for this.
Earlier we had a centralized plan and contracts, but now
based on the micro-plan prepared at the ward level, the tenders
will be drawn up. All these documents (route plan, list of contractors,
tenders, etc) will be put up on the website so that there is awareness
amongst the planners themselves about the transparency about the
plans they are preparing. In fact, we have got the deadline itself
shifted, so that the plans get made properly.
Amol:
What is the timeline for the micro-planning with the AE
(Wards)?
Pimpale:
We are on to it.
Ratho:
Markhande has drafted plans based on the 27 wards. According
to the route plans, the contracts will be Zone wise, while operations
will be Ward wise. There will be a Transfer Station in each zone.
We have identified 6: Mahim, Dharavi, Versova, ....,
Pumping stations. These Transfer Points could also be Processing
Points.
____:
The Variation Range is -25% to +50%. Decrease due to segregation,
and increase due to population growth or influx.
Vinda:
Is there provision for separate collection of Hotel and
Market waste in the Contract?
Ratho:
I was also thinking about this – it should be separate.
Markande, include it in the contract; separate vehicle/route for
Hotel and Market waste collected at appropriate times.
We will extend the time for the micro-planning as quality
of the plans prepared is important.
Amol:
17th Sept. was the old date for the micro-plans,
and 17th Feb.2006 is the date that the new contracts
are to be in place.
K-West:
We could involve the ALM’s in preparing the micro-plans.
Ratho:
You cannot give them the responsibility. They can give
you suggestions, discuss with whoever you want to, but the responsibility
of preparing the plans is MCGM’s and it will be with the signatures
of all engineers involved.
Amol:
15th Nov., the Expression of Interest for the
tender Document goes out, hence Micro planning must be completed
by 10th Nov.
K-West:
Municipal markets have separate tenders for collection
at the moment, under the Market department. Do we integrate this
into the new contract?
Ratho:
Good point. Integrate it – it will be a much better utilization
of resources.
Markhande:
Some very large collection points like Dadar market require
large man power for collection.
Ratho:
The routes will be prepared accordingly. In the City area,
the following major markets (list) that require separate arrangements
for collection will be identified – by the CE.
Vinay:
We all have inputs based on our collective experiences,
which we can give, and that can then be built into these discussions
and contracts.
Ratho:
We are taking decisions through the review, hence we cannot
wait. Dry waste is not in this contract.
Shutre:
Variation is there.
Ratho:
Mention that separate arrangements will be made for Dry
waste – that is not included in this contract. For bio-med, debris,
hazardous waste, we will have a separate larger discussion.
Area Based Contracts
(for H-east and
K-west)
Ratho: Who
is doing the planning? Who is preparing the route plans?
Amol:
Where are we on the ILFS tender document?
Where
are we on the floating of the tender?
____:
The main issue is that in each ward, we have Municipal
areas and private area, where the municipal areas are approx.
25% of the total. There is a chance of union clashes in the area
based contracts.
Ratho:
He has the same concerns that I had about this, when we
started out, and it appears that these concerns are still not
addressed.
Amol:
The AE’s are not aware of what Area Based Contracts are.
Ratho:
The AE’s are close to the ground realities, so we must
consider what they say, while implementing a plan.
____:
I have started preparing the route plans.
Amol:
An Area Based Contract is a carved out area for “comprehensive
waste management” that is given to a contractor that covers the
A-Z of SWM (except sweeping)
Ratho:
In large wards, some areas are taken up under A.B.C. The
remaining area is still under the MCGM and private. We have identified
K(West) and H(East) as critical areas.
Will the A.B.C. work in K(west)?
Amol:
As per the SWM Report, there are 2 types of indices for
monitoring effective cleanliness:
i) Monthly level: how clean are the visible areas, slums,
toilets, etc
ii) Roads – comprehensive cleanliness of the entire ward
– on a weekly level – with 10 key roads – there is a sapling methodology
for this.
The first week of the monthly level monitoring is out –
with 3 indices – so it is now possible to compare and analyse.
Ratho:
We can release this in the media.
Dattar:
yes, have a Cleanliness Index, like the Pollution Index.
Up-gradation of Chowky
Tatbhajye:
The information is available – in the next meeting we will
have a list of all chowkies, and also details of how many will
be upgraded in 6 months.
Ratho:
Also plan for the remaining, with budgets.
Website
Ratho:
Mr.Awate is required – we will take it up in the next meeting.
Strengthening of Enforcement
Markhande:
list is ready
Ratho:
You are going to do what?
Markhande:
We need more ND’s - approx 56- – sweepers will be promoted
as mukkadams.
Ratho:
ND is higher scale – make them Assistant to ND – will that
ensure that enforcement is done? Prepare a set of instructions
for enforcement at Ward level for Shop Inspectors, Ward Officers,
etc. Cleanliness is the target, not Revenue Collection.
Bye Laws on Segregation
Draft is with Amol Gogate
Ratho:
Circulate on Karmayog
Dattak Vastis
Ratho:
Last year, we had a 100% target. What is the status today?
Seema:
Can we start with the registration of all CBO’s so that
the list is ready by next year?
Ratho:
We have to decentralize.
Performance Based Budgets
Ratho:
Does not appear on a tracking sheet – it is based on activity
– cost last year, cost this year – and the effect of this activity.
For. Eg.: Target for Dattak Vasti is 100%. Last year, covered
30%, this year target is 100%, hence this year the budget goes
up.
We are also changing the budgetary format. Each ward prepares
its own budget; hence you can see efficient wards and bad wards.
The performance is seen and analysed ward wise, with maybe incentives
at a later stage.
Part II of meeting:
Discussions with NGO Council
To be read along
with the Draft Minutes already circulated by Vinay
Vinay:
we are enlightened by seeing how you work and how citizens
can contribute.
Vinda:
Communication is the key to the success of all initiatives.
For instance, we are facing problems with the eliminations of
bins and proposed hs-to-hs system.
Ratho:
I agree, communication at the community level is the key.
Involvement of citizens at ward level – and need to launch a strong
outreach programme.
Gerson:
It has been very enlightening. Is the fact of such meetings
publicized?
Ratho:
We would prefer to show results.
Datar:
I am feeling refreshed that you are talking business –
this discussion is heartening.
Kandivali :
In Charkop, vacant plots are being used as dumping grounds.
Ratho:
Yes, there may be unofficial dumping spots besides the
4000-odd that we are trying to eliminate. These dumping spots
that are not on record should also be taken into account.
Vinay:
For specific items like debris (that came up today), we
will form theme groups of the MCGM and Ngo Council; who will hold
a meeting and discuss so
that all inputs are taken in.
Within the Ngo Council, all members have different strong
agendas. There are 2 possible alternatives when interfacing with
the MCGM:
i) we all have a common agenda – that is different from
MCGM
ii) We all have different agendas.
The important point is to record all points of view, where
the final view is then taken by the MCGM.
Ratho:
Yes, if in this particular forum, we are not agreeing,
no point in going further. Either party is free to go to Court.
Vinay:
Disagreements are going to be there. Still, we need to
record all views and present it to the MCGM
Ratho:
Yes, the recording of all points of view is important,
so that MCGM cannot say it doesn’t know.
2: Citizen Monitoring
Vinay:
There are various models as options for citizens monitoring:
a) LACC – there are many issues
b) Cleanliness Task Force- at Councillor Ward level, with
3-5 citizens, Councilor, BMC rep; this Task Force will undertake
daily reportage, can help in route planning, etc, and will require
a monthly budget to function.
Ratho:
We will discuss the budget later.
K-West:
Make the Task Force a part of LACC
Pawar:
In some wards, citizens are active, in some they are not.
Vinay:
The Ngo Council will select 5 citizens for each ward.
K-West:
There are already meetings with AGNI, DIGNITY, ALM’s, etc
– too many meetings, hence integrate into LACC.
Vinay:
Yes, the Task Force can be part of the LACC, but it is
only for Cleanliness, hence it doesn’t need to interact with all
the BMC officers – only the one designated for cleanliness in
that ward.
___:
In every Councilor Ward, there is an LACC that meets every
alternate Sat. between 8:30 am-9:30 am. There are 5 citizens in
this committee along with the BMC officers responsible for Water,
Roads, Maintenance, respective JO’s, and the Hon. Councilor. The
AE is in charge.
Vinay:
We are proposing a new structure, because the Cleanliness
Team should have some credibility. We accept that LACC is a formal
mechanism, but within this, we need to dovetail the Cleanliness
team that has a specific agenda of cleanliness.
Also, if the Cleanliness Team goes on a monitoring round
today, they will not wait till next alt Saturday to report. We
need a person they can go to today.
Rajkumar:
LACC doesn’t work
Almitra:
I am troubled that meetings are held in the morning during
the round time of all officers.
Ratho:
giving the task Force a different name but incorporating
it into the LACC may not guarantee that it will work.
Gerson:
the 227 Cleanliness Teams is a good concept – it should
not be tied up with a failed concept viz LACC.
Amol:
How is the proposed CTF different from the LACC? (that
has mixed response)
Vinay:
the CTF will report not only to the LACC, but periodically
to higher levels also, say to Mr.Ratho eventually, so that system
fixing can happen – the top can push things down.
Amol:
Basically, an escalation of minutes of the LACC.
Vinay:
We also question the inputs of those minutes.
Amol:
If there is escalation of reporting and the LACC works,
then are we okay?
Rajkumar:
Manhole covers are stolen. We want problem fixing.
Ratho:
LACC is a well-meaning concept of decentralized monitoring
at the councilor ward level. However a majority of them are not
functioning. What steps can we take to improve this?
Sudheendra: LACC
is already established. New idea is CTF – not a new structure.
CTF should be dove-tailed into the LACC – but the CTF needs to
deal with officers concerned with SWM – the other issues of the
LACC can go on. One way of energizing the LACC’s is by energizing
the CTF. Today citizens are energized about cleanliness.
With
a campaign, that MCGM is serious about cleanliness and with 227
CTF’ we can focus on cleanliness, while being part of the established
structure of the LACC’s.
Vinay:
There can be other Task Forces as well.
Ratho:
The CTF need not be linked to the LACC. The ward officers
are concerned that they have too many meetings to attend.
Sudheendra: Whatever
is minuted, and the more it is shared, more is the confidence
level, and lower is the cynicism.
Ratho:
fair enough. We can analyse the existing LACC, and create
a system of centralized reporting.
Sudheendra: If
certain decisions are taken and made public, it helps the CTF
to put pressure where required.
Gerson:
The paper-work (minuting) can be taken up by citizens.
Vinay:
We are saying that all interface with MCGM to be made public.
It will be minuted by us.
Ratho:
In principle, we have no problem.
Vinay:
We will draft the concept. What about the budget? Can we
initiate discussions with the standing committee about paying
the CTF’s?
Ratho:
Yes, we can have a discussion and initiate the process.
Shanta:
Use the Corporator’s Fund.
Vinay:
The third model available for citizens monitoring is the
Nuisance Detectors and Home Guards. ND’s can come out of the CTF
members, who can be given status to detect nuisance, but not to
collect fines.
Sudheendra: The
BEST has a system where they use their retired employees who charges
administrative charges in place of fines while detecting nuisances.
We need more ND’s than the existing number, and we also want to
maximize citizens’ participation. How do we link these two is
the question.
Ratho:
We cannot empower citizens to collect fines. We can empower
them to collect administrative charges. Give us a good proposal
and we will consider it.
Amol:
The anti-litter squad must not only fine but also pick
up litter.
Ratho:
We can attach a conservancy worker to the squad.
Madhu:
Home guards can be used
Ratho:
Along with the Citizen driven Task Force, we can have Campaigns,
and on a campaign basis, we can use the Home Guards.
11: Continuing Education
CERE
will give a budget proposal so that MCGM can plan for the Communication
Campaign.
Shanta:
Savings from vermi-composting can be put into the Communication
Campaign.
Co-ordination with Agencies
Almitra:
According to the definition of Municipal Area, each Authority
is responsible for their own areas. Hence Railways must manage
their own waste. Make them aware of their own responsibilities.
Ratho:
Have a meeting with all the concerned authorities where
we can discuss this point.
Almitra:
MCGM should not take over their waster.
Sudheendra: Mumbai
looks dirty because of the many kilometers of railway tracks that
are littered with garbage.
Dattak Vastis
Sudheendra: Coming
back to a previous point, it is heartening to know that 100% Dattak
Vastis is being targeted for slums. Have you devised a cleanliness
index for each slum, by the slum dwellers?
Ratho:
Amol, lets put out an ad.: with certain qualifications
for NGO’s who have worked in slums.
Amol:
Expanding of the index.
Ratho:
We can give incentives/rewards as recognition for performance.
Jyoti:
The same can be done for the Toilets.
Ratho:
yes.
Seema:
We have in-built that: after 6 awards for a toilet block,
new place is given.
Shanta:
Graduates from TISS, etc can be used for this exercise.
Ratho:
Seema, Amol, Markhande, will work on this: Measuring the
performance on the basis of satisfaction of the users.
Sudheendra: Locals
should be able to express whether the performance is improving.
Rajkumar:
One of the problems faced in the Dattak Vasti scheme was
that one organization was given too many units – making it a money
making exercise. Each organization should have only a restricted
number of units.
Ratho:
we will wait for the Ngo Council’s View on this.
Sudheendra: is
sanitation a mandate of the DV?
Ratho:
No.
Sudheendra: In
slums, cleanliness is linked to SWM + sanitation.
Ratho:
In slums, NGO’s goes and builds and maintains toilets in
consultation with the people. If Dattak Vastis are there, they
should get into the consolation process.
Seema:
SSP (Toi) is not keen to join DV – feels it is too complicated.
Ratho:
Why is it complicated? We will simplify it. What is to
be done?
Almitra:
My experience is that slum improvement programmes are sabotaged
by the Councilors. So we want suggestions on how to insulate the
Councilors from the people.
Ratho:
we need to have a meeting for dattak Vastis – with the
CBO’s, NGO’s – mix of all the people working there.
Identification of demonstration
Precincts
Vinay:
We would like to identify some demonstration precincts.
Ratho:
Sure, we would like suggestions of which places.
Sudheendra: With
demonstration precincts, we can make progress, change the perception
of citizens, people can see the change, word will spread that
the city is changing.
Eg.: The Nariman Point – Mantralaya - MCGM area can be
taken up for zero garbage, and by 2006, “x” number of precinct
areas across the city will be zero garbage.
Amol:
It’s already being done for roads.
Sudheendra: To
change perception, take an area that covers households, shops,
etc everything.
Ratho:
For demonstration, we can take A-Ward. Take a precinct,
do it fully in target of 1 month.
Vinay:
Organisations/Citizens can take up responsibility of giving
feedback – small MoU for the areas can be drawn up for the precinct
+ community.
Sudheendra: In
the commercial capital of Mumbai, the key stake holders at Mantralaya,
The Banking District, Nariman Point, MCGM, etc, are in one precinct,
this precinct can be made zero garbage.
Dattar:
Take up other areas also.
Ratho:
In principle, we agree to demonstration precincts in as
many places.
Markhande:
We should take up one of the worst wards, not A-ward
Ratho:
Take any area. MCGM has a plan for SWM. If any particular
area/precinct comes forward, we can have that as a demonstration
precinct.
Dattar:
Our aim is cleanliness – zero garbage.
Sudheendra: What
is being aimed at by the demonstration precincts is no visible
garbage.
Almita:
That’s not good enough.
Amol:
We will get a plan, with specific steps for MCGM
Wet Waste
Vinay:
Plan for wet waste?
Ratho:
An area is to be identified to do the composting – may
not be possible.
Vinay:
These areas are to be identified, jointly by citizens and
MCGM.
Ratho:
The maximum amount of waste is to be composted in the same
locality.
Shanta:
It is possible on building terraces.
Sudheendra: Can
we first tackle bulk generators in each ward? We can have a common
in-situ bio-degradation plant, like the one set up at BARC, which
can be treated as a pilot project, and can be scaled up.
Ratho:
We agree in principle, provided that land is identified.
Sudheendra: The
pumping stations?
Ratho:
They are not there in every ward.
Vinay:
MCGM is committed to no wet waste going to the land fill,
in a phased manner, matched by resources.
Ratho:
The missing link (after the commitment, etc) is that we
don’t not have correct data of land available for this activity,
ie, in-situ composting/disposal of wet waste. We need to undertake
an open joint exercise to get this data.
Sudheendra: Sec.MNES,
has informed us that there is significant Central Govt. funds
available for household vermin-composting – hence we must get
the plan drawn up quickly.
Ratho:
We can also give incentives
Vinay:
Will MCGM buy back the compost?
Ratho:
In principle, MCGM agrees to buy back as much compost as
it needs
Sudheendra: If
this quantity could be specified, it would be helpful.
Ratho:
We will let you know the exact need
Vinay:
MCGM will have to pick up all of the compost made.
Ratho:
MCGM will pick-up, but not necessarily pay for all of it.
We can give incentives based on savings made.
We have a figure of Rs.6/kilo at which we purchase compost
now. There are 2 models available for us: i) pricing ii) savings
Pai:
If there is a decentralized composting plant, the persons
who bring the wet waste to the site should pay a fee – then this
activity becomes economically viable, where land, equipment is
given by the MCGM. I will give a write-up on such a proposal.
Ratho:
His point is that give this activity to a private contractor,
so that it is efficient.
Sudheendra: For
bulk generators, can we set a deadline?
Ratho:
Where is the place?
Sudheendra: At
least to show the intent, can MCGM set a date/deadline?
Ratho:
We can take up in one ward, say A-ward.
Vinda:
We have given a proposal to the MCGM for B-ward. It is
with Mr.Shotre for his feedback.
Recyclable Wastes
Vinay:
We have proposed a system of neighbourhood kiosks, where
the generators bring their recyclable waste and sell it to the
rag-pickers (from projects) who man these kiosks. The Rag-pickers
take this waste to ward-wise sorting sheds, where they are sorted
and then sold to either retail or whole-sale recyclers.
Ratho:
In principle, we agree it is a fine concept, of neighbourhood
kiosks run by organizations, where recyclable waste, (incl. batteries,
etc) is brought. After recycling this, whatever is left (like
batteries), MCGM will pick up. But the following questions come
up:
-
How do execute this concept:
-
How do we identify the rag-pickers?
-
Do the rag-pickers have the organizational capabilities?
Vinay:
We will discuss and give MCGM feedback on this.
Also,
the sorting areas must be designated, else sorting will happen
on roads. MCGM gives the kiosk, and sorting area free, so that
the rag pickers can operate on a commercial basis.
Sudheendra: Lets
look at MCGM’s present role in dry waste management.
Today, the most visible economic activity happening all
over the city is the sorting of dry waste.
Almitra:
How can MCGM facilitate what is not taken up for recycling
by market forces. For eg. In Bangalore and some parts
of Tamil Nadu, shredded plastic is being used to make roads.
Ratho:
We are also working on this.
Madhu:
Lets not get into this, and sort at source.
Vinay:
We need to identify the sorting areas, else it gets sorted
on the roads.
Jyoti:
We have done a survey of sheds, some are constructed, but
they are not maintained. And the balance are still to be constructed.
This was under the SRSJ scheme.
Ratho:
We should give areas and constructed sheds/covered sorting
areas.
Jyoti:
The Govt. of Mah. Regulations also mention this.
Ratho:
Give us a copy of these regulations
Markhande: make budgetary allocations for chowky up-gradation
and covered sorting space.
Empowerment of waste pickers
Sudheendra: Can
we take the first step of identifying and registering all waste
pickers?
Ratho:
We can register firms, NGO’s Associations, Co-operatives,
etc all dealing with re-cycling of waste.
Vinay:
But not individuals.
Sudheendra: All
rag-pickers are not covered by organizations, hence..?
Ratho:
We will register the NGO’s, hence all must register, either
with the existing NGO’s or with new ones. Every rag-picker must
have an ID from a Registered Organisation. We will have criteria
and regulating mechanism for these organizations.
Jyoti:
Is MCGM going to counter-sign the I-Cards?
Almitra:
The police can counter-sign the I Cards.
Amol:
What is MCGM promising the rag pickers?
Almitra:
Protection from harassment.
Jyoti:
That’s all they need.
Sudheendra: Identification
and registration of rag pickers is a step towards change in SWM.
Ratho:
MCGM will be empowering the rag-pickers.
_____:
There will be some do’s and don’t’s that are the responsibility
of the Registered Organisations.
Vinay:
For a policy for SWM for Mumbai, we cannot depend on individuals
for recyclables – we need organizations who can take responsibility.
We see two dangers in this recycling activity:
i)
re-fillables – danger of spurious products
ii)
forcing buy-back on manufacturers should not lead
to their dumping it elsewhere
Almitra:
There should be a take back policy as there is for beer
and soda bottles, where there is a charge for the reverse distribution
process. 70% of the Al. cans of Hit, Mortein, etc are re-filled
and hence have a high value in the waste. Discarded tube-lights
contribute to great quantities of mercury. EPR policy
Ratho:
Tell us the considered opinion.
With the plastic ban coming into effect, this is a good
time to introduce these concepts (such as buy-back) into the public.
Un-segregated Waste
Ratho: We can have a system of daily fines – but we cannot do this immediately.
Inert waste
Bijoy:
I have gone through the MCGM manual/draft Debris Policy.
The collection system is fine, but the disposal is in CRZ and
NDZ areas like Ambujwadi, Gorai, Deonar, Hariyali and Dahisar.
The suggestion is that process or recycle the waste at
the Transfer Station. The document says that the inert waste cannot
be processed at the Transfer Stations.
______:
The document has been since modified, and the sites have
been changed – no longer in CRZ and TDZ
____:
Identify the sites where the debris is needed for construction/filling.
Vinay:
The inert waste should also be processed.
Ratho:
Are there places in Mumbai where processing plants can
happen?
Almitra:
have dialogue with contractors, builders, architects –
that large sites, above a certain area, must be zero garbage –
they will then find their own ways to mange and recycle their
waste.
Another way is to have preferential tenders to those who
have recycled content in their material.
Madhu:
We also need a Hotline, to make complaints of violations.
Sudheen:
Can we suggest a round-table of all stake-holders to discuss
this?
Amol:
we have already had a round-table with builders, etc.
Sudheendra: If
you have a target of 50% reduction of waste in 5 years, of which
50% is inert waste, then we need to concentrate on the inert waste.
Amol:
The document also proposes a tipping fee at the dump site,
and securing of MCGM permission for any other site dumping.
Amol:
We need to discuss this off line.
Vinay:
All meetings from our side will be before the 15th
of Nov. so that no change in timeline.
Medical waste
Vinay:
Apart from the large hospitals that are covered by the
MPCB, for the smaller outfits, there are 2 options:
i) collect from small clinics and path labs. and also enable
them to deposit at the nearest collection centre for the large
hospitals
ii)
Pay rag-pickers for whatever they collect from households, etc.
Ratho:
We are presently talking to the large hospitals, and have
not so far covered smaller clinics who are not serviced by MCGM
separately for disposal of Med waste.
Vinay:
The CTF can make a list of the path labs, clinics, etc
in that ward.
Ratho:
In every ward, the Medical Officer is supposed to have
list of licensed clinics, path labs, etc.
Almitra:
You need to work with the bio-med service provider – countrywide,
the system of SHARPS is practiced which doctors, nurses, etc are
familiar with – it involves separation of broken glass, syringes,
needles. The Bio-med picks these up every month for a small fee.
Ratho:
Yes, they cannot be collected daily.
Non-Recyclable Waste
Vinay:
Incineration and Waste to Electricity projects should not
be done.
Almitra:
RDF is second hand incineration, and so is also out.
Landfill and Land-hill
Vinay:
In a land-fill in a low-lying area, one does not know about
the leachates that are seeping into the soil and water. Hence
we should move towards creating land-hills and not land fills.
Sanglikar:
Point noted and taken. Next?
Tabelas:
Vinay:
BMC should not buy cow-dung from tabelas, who should recycle
their own waste.
Ratho:
Our proposed Bye-Laws for SWM mentions clauses for tabelas.
You can go through and revert back with comments?
Slaughter Houses
Almitra:
The Aircrafts Act of 1934 and 1937 says that there shall
be no slaughter houses within 10 km of the airport reference point.
MCGM can use this Law to control slaughter houses in these areas.
Ratho:
As the NGO Council, if you can come up with strong recommendations
on this, we can take it up at a higher level.
Lakes
Sudheendra: All
lakes to have a buffer zone, and no dumping in any lake, including
disposal of sewage.
Sanglikar:
The sewage into the Powai lakes is not by BMC. In Powai,
there is an existing BMC sewage system That pollution is being
done by some unauthorized housing colonies or toilets.
Plans for Slums
Vinay:
Almitra has some options on how to have cleanliness in
slums
Almitra:
I will prepare a note, outlining thse points.
Ratho:
For 2 subjects, we need your feedback well before 15th
Nov.:
i)
Transportation Contracts
ii)
Debris Management Contracts
On
the 15th of Nov., we will take a final decision; for
the other points, there is still some time.
Mission
Statement
Vinay:
Can we have dates for milestones from the MCGM?
Sudheendra: For
instance with the 50% reduction of garbage in 5 years, can we
break that down to different categories of garbage in each year?
This ensures that citizens know their responsibilities, as well
as the MCGM staff knows their responsibilities – it becomes a
Plan of Action.
Vinay:
50% in 5 years is too easy a target in too long a time
Ratho:
We need to define what is zero-garbage – it means many
things to many people.
Sudheendra: The
aim is to be world class
Ratho:
Our aim is 50% reduction in what should not be dumped at
landfills.
Sudheendra: Communication
is the key to achieving all this. Communication to:
i) MCGM’s own establishment
ii)
people at large
We
feel that MCGM should set aside from the very large SWM budget,
some amount for employing professionals/communication experts
so that in the Year 2006, MCGM is seen to be taking up Cleanliness
in a big way.
Vinay:
NGO’s can also share their experiences in projects, and
undertake studies/surveys for the MCGM, where required, for a
fee.
Ratho: We
are open to that.
(Meeting ended with
a round of thanks)
