BARAMULLA: In response to the recent article published in a local daily here regarding concerns raised about overflowing dustbins and neglected skip boxes specifically Drangbal and Dilna, the Rural Development Department (RDD) Baramulla has informed that the areas highlighted in the piece have undergone a significant transformation resulting in a visually appealing and clean environment.
As per an official handout issued by RDD Baramulla, it has been given out that the exercise is being regularly carried out through Swachh Grahis and Eco-Guards, and their tireless work has played a pivotal role in ensuring the cleanliness of the area.
Their consistent efforts to maintain the surroundings and address waste management challenges are truly commendable and their commitment to their roles and responsibilities has not only resulted in the improvement of the mentioned areas but has also set a standard for community-driven initiatives, the hand-out reads.
It has been further mentioned that the article had rightfully pointed out the challenges faced by the department, but other challenges like people not paying user fees and people in transit throwing garbage on the roadside are some of the bigger challenges that the department deals with. It is noteworthy that these obstacles have not deterred the department’s resolve to keep the area clean. The resourcefulness of field functionaries in utilizing available funds to maintain cleanliness reflects their dedication to the cause.
In order to handhold the field functionaries in the infancy phase of waste management in rural areas, Block Baramulla has adopted a hybrid model to overcome the challenges in waste management by outsourcing the waste collection at the block level and involving Swachh Grahis at the village level, thus reflecting a shared commitment to overcome the challenges. It is pertinent to mention here that enough infrastructure has been made available for waste collection, segregation, and treatment at all the panchayats of the block Baramulla, further mentioned in the statement.
The transformation of the mentioned areas from neglect to cleanliness is a result of collective efforts, dedication, and synergy between various stakeholders. Sustaining this change requires ongoing commitment and active participation from everyone and the two most important requirements are behavioral change in the community vis-à-vis waste management and local financing of the initiative. Through these combined efforts, the department is committed to making rural areas clean, green, and conducive to a healthier way of life.
