With the administration falling behind in keeping the town clean, Raj Bhavan neighbourhood association (RNA) has taken the lead to assist the former in managing solid waste in the constituency. The association aims at managing the waste in a manner that does not harm the environment and stands out as a model.
The solid waste management programme of the association commenced on the Tamil New year day. NG Pannirselvam, Minister of local administration, K Lakshminarayanan MLA of Rajbhavan constituency, Raviprakash director of local administration department, Rajamanikam commissioner of Pondicherry municipality, and other officials were present on the occasion.
Initially, waste will be collected from hotels and houses on Romain Rolland Street to ensure that it does not end up on the roads. The facility will be extended in phases to cover the entire ward 12, also known as heritage precinct. The waste will be handed over to the municipality.
However, segregated waste will be collected from buildings to process them and convert them into resources. “Biodegradable wastes will be converted into compost and recyclable waste like paper and plastics will be sold to scrap dealers,” said Probir Banerjee, RNA president. RNA has sought the help of the government for a place to process the waste, he added.
The administration has been facing difficulties ever since the agency that handled solid waste management ended up in legal tangles. Moreover, the dumping yard at Kurumbapet has no environmental clearance and poses a risk of polluting the drinking water source of the entire town. Suggestions of other places have met with opposition from people.
The RNA says that if solid waste of a place is managed within the area, most of the problems would fade away. Moreover, the residents’ involvement will ensure that the streets are not used as dumping yards.
A beginning has been made at Rajbhavan ward which is regarded as the jewel in the crown of Pondicherry, as it houses the beach promenade, Raj Niwas, historic French buildings, Bharathi Park, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the church of Our Lady of the Angels, to name a few.
“RNA is a forum to bring together all those who are keen on preserving the character and ambience of this part of the town. It plans to take up all kinds of issues such as garbage, parking and pedestrian safety, as well as beautification with the involvement of members and support of the government,” said Banerjee.