Several measures are being taken in the block level in Kurseong to keep areas clean and to set up solid and liquid resource (waste) management systems.

Kurseong Block Development Officer Nilanjan Mondal has recently ordered the administrator and executive assistants of all gram panchayats to ensure clean and healthy environment in their respective panchayat areas and to set up solid waste management processing units, it is learnt.

According to Mr Mondal, he is concerned about the rampant disposal of waste, including those from sewerage pipes in jhoras (streams) and drains in different gram panchayat areas.

“We have been taking up different measures for the past several years in our bid to solve this problem, but due to lack of a suitable land, the problems are yet to be solved,” Mr Mondal said.

According to him, disposal of solid and liquid waste in all GP areas has become a big problem for them. “The rampant disposal of solid waste, especially plastics, is adversely affecting the environment,” he said.

In a letter he sent to all gram panchayat officials, the BDO laments the situation and expresses grave concern over the disposal of solid waste in streams and rivulets, which according to him, can cause water-borne diseases to spread.

“All GP officials are reminded to start imposing fines, as per the Panchayat Acts & Rules, on those found discharging sewage waste in jhoras or dumping garbage there. Be it hotels, shopkeepers or individual households, no one will be allowed to dirty the drinking water sources. Stern actions will be taken against those violating the orders under the GP Act,” Mr Mondal said.

At the same time, he has also requested the GP officials to identify a plot of land (5 decimals approximately) at a suitable and motorable location, for the construction and implementation of solid waste management processing units.

Vacant government vest-land and vacant land under tea gardens may be especially looked for and tea garden managers may be approached for a no objection certificate for such constructions, he said.

According to Mr Mondal, funds are available for the plans and that one “dustbin” each will be constructed in each big village where people can dispose of their household waste.

“The waste will be brought from there regularly to the central processing unit for the whole GP. A local cooperative society or a Self Help Group or an NGO will be entrusted with the management. They will be able to earn around Rupees 10-20,000 from the process,” he said.