GUWAHATI: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) introduced a cutting-edge QR code system on December 15, 2023, for waste collection.
Despite this technological leap, residents are facing numerous challenges due to haphazardly placed dumping locations across the city.
The ambitious initiative, launched on December 15, 2023, aimed to introduce a systematic approach to waste collection. Each property in designated wards was equipped with a unique QR code, intricately linked to the property tax holding number database.
GMC-authorised waste collection staff, armed with these QR codes, scanned them after collecting waste, ensuring a traceable and organised waste collection process.
On paper, the QR code system appeared to be a step towards a cleaner and more efficient waste management process in Guwahati.
But, the ground reality tells a different story. Many dumping locations seem to have been selected haphazardly, causing distress and inconvenience to the residents.
Chinmoy Das, a resident of Lal Ganesh talking to GPlus said, "The Lal Ganesh area is in shambles because of the garbage bins located on the road. Half of the road is occupied by garbage bins, and the adjacent area is always littered with garbage. Behind the garbage bin, there's a wall that has become a public toilet for men."
The repercussions extend beyond the visual eyesore. Das emphasised the pervasive odour and the increased vulnerability to diseases, creating an unhealthy living environment for the residents.
To compound matters, Chinmoy Das said, "Recently, some street vendors have started selling mutton, chicken, and fish near these bins, which is extremely unhygienic."
Improper waste disposal, especially in densely populated areas, is a breeding ground for a myriad of health issues. Studies have linked the illegal dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) to diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and acute respiratory infections.
The health risks associated with poorly managed waste areas are a cause for serious concern among the residents.
Further exacerbating the situation is the ongoing dumping of municipal solid waste at the open dumpsite near Lakhi Mandir in Beltola.
Bastav Deka, a daily commuter of Beltola talking to GPlus stated, "I walk past the Assam State Women Commission office in Beltola every day, and the sight of the overflowing garbage bin is frustrating.”
Deka said the litter was spreading around, creating an unsightly mess and a foul smell. “It's frustrating to see such neglect in a crucial area. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about our well-being and the environment. We need immediate attention to clean up and maintain our community spaces for a healthier living environment," he said.
However, while talking to GPlus, a senior official from GMC admitted to facing challenges in waste management, acknowledging, "Initially, it was unplanned, but now we're working on identifying specific locations to maintain a clean environment."
Emphasising the necessity for strategically placed garbage bins, the official highlighted the impracticality of establishing transfer stations in every area due to limited government land.
"Setting up numerous transfer stations requires more space than we currently have," he explained.
The doorstep waste collection, a crucial part of the initiative, faces its own set of challenges.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from GMC stated, "We encounter some issues during house-to-house waste collection. Residents often ask for their holding number, and there's a hiccup. Some haven't updated their holding numbers after GMC expanded the wards. So, when our staff scans with the previous holding number, it reflects a different area."
This admission sheds light on the practical hurdles encountered during waste collection across the city.
Residents' unfamiliarity with their updated holding numbers poses a hurdle for the collection staff, leading to discrepancies in the scanning process.
The official further added, "We are trying to figure out the issues regarding this QR code.”
The GMC recognises the need for smoother communication and plans to address these challenges for a more streamlined and effective door-to-door waste collection system.