But the gradual disappearance of the bins from roadsides has raised the question whether Kathmanduites could not make proper use of them or it was the failure of the local body to assess the swelling volume of waste. [break]
Though data produced by the Solid Waste Management Technical Resource Centre shows that over 350 metric tonnes of solid waste is generated in the capital every day, the local body is yet to determine the maximum waste generating areas and the places for disposal.
Out of the total of 4,000 waste disposal bins donated by the Chinese government in 2010, the metropolis had positioned 500 bins in various places of the capital. But most of these have disappeared.
In January KMC decided to hand over 1,500 bins to local clubs. However, the decision was not implemented as the first lot of bins distributed have been lost.
KMC officials say the public lacks a sense of responsibility towards public property. “Most of the bins were stolen within a few months whereas others were left broken and half-burnt,” said Rabin Man Shrestha, Environment Division Chief at KMC. He added that the public was reluctant to handle the containers with care and rampantly dumped and burnt their garbage instead of disposing of it in the bins.
The local body intends to change public attitudes as per the Solid Waste Management Act (SWMA) 2011 which authorises it to take legal action against those found disposing waste in restricted areas such as public places and the resources of water.
The act has a provision to fine offenders up to Rs 100,000 or jail them for three years or both but it has not been put into effect till now. “Currently, we are coordinating with city police and the district administration office to penalise offenders,” Shrestha said. As part of an awareness campaign, KMC has already started warning the public by mike in various parts of the capital not to throw waste rampantly or into rivers.
Meanwhile, the public has its own gripe. Yubraj Belbase, owner of Himalayan Surgical at Tripureshwor, says that the trash bin placed over 200 meters away was insufficient for the waste produced in the area.
“Punishment alone will not be effective unless KMC provides an alternative for disposal.”
KMC has said that it will swing into action and implement the act. The issue is not space but attitude and KMC will not leave any stone unturned to punish offenders as per the existing act," added Shrestha.
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