Since 2002, the proposal to construct Sehaj Safai Kendras in every sector has been adorning paper

In 2002, a proposal to construct Sehaj Safai Kendras (SSK) was mooted in order to have a ‘bin-free’ Chandigarh. But the proposal has remained on paper, struggling with issues like non-approval of sites and opposition by residents.

Under the proposal, garbage was to be collected from every house and taken to SSKs and then to the dumping ground.

Last year, it was decided that an SSK would be set up in every sector. UT Finance Secretary had approved the proposal and a provision of Rs 20 lakh was made in the annual budget for the construction of 20 SSKs. But it hasn’t progressed any further.

Councillor Rajesh Gupta said he had written seven letters to the authorities for setting up of SSKs, but “no action has been taken”.

“The bins overflow with garbage and the area around them also remains littered. It has been two-and-a-half years since I have been trying to get an approval for an SSK. I am not sure how many years it will take,” Gupta said.

In 2006, former Municipal Commissioner P S Aujla had written to the Finance Secretary to approve a site for construction of an SSK in Sector 19.

“Last year, I was asked to give my consent for a site where an SSK was to be set up. But there has been no communication since then,” area councillor Anju Beniwala says. “Overflowing garbage bins dot several places, with rag-pickers rummaging around. Several times I have complained about the situation but no action has been taken.”

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