Latest news with #NGaneshBabu
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
BMC imposes Rs 8 lakh fine on engrs, contractors for piling up debris
1 2 3 4 5 Bhubaneswar: When it comes to disposal of construction and demolition waste, it looks like a govt department has been frequently penalised by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) for allowing debris to pile up at work sites. BMC officials said the works department and contractors who had taken up projects on its behalf were penalised to the tune of Rs 8 lakh this month for piling up debris during construction and repair of govt quarters and buildings "Executive engineers of division-2 and division-4 of the works department under Bhubaneswar circle were fined Rs 2 lakh each for piling up construction and demolition (C&D) waste. A construction company was fined Rs 3 lakh, and two contractors Rs 50,000 each," said BMC assistant commissioner N Ganesh Babu. According to BMC rules, waste generated through construction, repair, transportation, remodelling and demolition of private and govt establishments, households, roads and drains should be handled properly to avoid piling up on roads. He said the enforcement squads spotted the debris stacked for days on the roadside, thus encroaching on public spaces and causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists. The piled-up waste is an eyesore and can choke drains during monsoon. "In view of monsoon, the squads have intensified enforcement activities," Babu added. Dhyanchand Naik, chief engineer (roads) of the works department, said he would look into the matter and issue necessary directions to the divisions concerned to clear C&D waste. "I will look into what construction and repair works had created debris and the fine imposed," he told TOI. Last year, BMC issued a notice to educate people on how to handle C&D waste. "There are a lot of stakeholders as far as C&D waste litter and disposal are concerned. Through the notice, we conveyed to people that if they don't follow the norms of handling C&D waste, they will have to pay a penalty. Yet, we see both private and govt agencies keeping debris on roads," a BMC official said. BMC officials said they have provision for designated spaces for dumping such waste. "We have also given a toll-free number (1929), which can be used by owners of C&D waste to ask for BMC vehicles to clear the waste. For the removal, a certain amount will have to be paid. If they don't use BMC resources and take C&D waste to the designated station on their own, they won't have to pay anything," an official said. In another development, the civic body said payments will be withheld for city-based contractors unless they show certificates of clearance of C&D waste from work sites. "City engineers have been asked to write to the contractors to abide by C&D disposal rules; otherwise, their payments will be held back," a BMC sanitation official said.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
BMC plans to build 20 more public toilets
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to construct 20 more public toilets to ensure easy access to sanitation facilities for the floating population while putting an end to open urination . It is part of the civic body's broader mission to enhance public amenities and maintain cleanliness and provide saturation coverage of toilets, BMC officials said. At present, there are 97 public toilets in the city. New toilets of different sizes will be constructed at XIMB Square, near the regional transport office at Chandrasekharpur, Sai Temple, ATM Square at Niladri Vihar, DAV School at Chandrasekharpur, BDA market complex, Gandamunda haat, Jagannath Temple, Capital Ford Square, Madhusudan Park, Vani Vihar along NH-16, Satya Nagar, Census office, Ramadevi Women's University, water tax office, Rasulgarh truck parking, Pahala sweet market, Aiginia potato godown, Badagada and Laxmi Sagar. "For each toilet, a separate estimate has been done. Altogether, around Rs 3 crore will be spent for the project. Locations of the new toilets have been earmarked considering the local demand and needs of the floating population. A survey was conducted earlier to find suitable land for the project," said BMC assistant commissioner N Ganesh Babu. Besides, BMC data revealed that at least 33 public toilets require major repair work, while 26 need minor renovation. Eight toilets will have to be demolished as they are completely dilapidated and beyond repair. "Out of 97 public toilets, the highest 39 are located in the south-east zone. Many existing public toilets have been identified for a facelift in terms of look and other exterior design," Babu added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One Simple Spray = Sharper, Clearer Sound in Seconds Stop Hearing Loss Learn More Undo The civic body also plans to construct three loo toilets in each of the 67 wards to improve sanitation and stop open defecation. These toilets are being constructed from BMC's own funds and are separate from the public toilets that have only urinals. They are constructed and maintained by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (SISSO). BMC officials said the loo toilets will cater to the needs of outstation people, who otherwise find it difficult to find such facilities in the wards. Most of the public toilets are constructed at vantage points and along the arteries. The loo toilets will compensate for the need. Public toilets in the city are mostly maintained by SISSO, and each toilet is cleaned four times a day by the agency. Community toilets are maintained by the ward sanitation committee of a particular locality. However, BMC is yet to decide on how cleaning of the proposed loo toilets will be taken up.
