Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 11: On the direction of National Green Tribunal (NGT), Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB Katra, convened a meeting of residents of Charanpaduka and Banganga area, here today at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra.
All the participants were explained about the directions of National Green Tribunal and were asked to prepare an action plan for suitable intervention on identified issues. The locals suggested constructing some additional Toilet Blocks and a STP in Banganga area to treat the waste water to protect Banganga river from pollution. They also suggested for River Front Development of Banganga with a view to make it pilgrimage friendly and free from garbage.
The representatives of shops/residents of Banganga agreed to use multicolour bins for segregating biodegradable and non biodegradable wastes. They have been asked for composting all biodegradable wastes at local level wherever possible or shift the same to the Biogas Plant of the Shrine Board for its eco-friendly disposal. The residents fully agreed to cooperate with the Shrine Board and local administration in collecting and transporting the wastes for its scientific disposal. The shopkeepers of the area decided to jointly impose an effective ban on polythene carry bags and polythene rain coats which has been identified as the most polluting item. Besides, they also agreed to discourage plastic made disposables like cup and plates and other items and promising use of re-useable utensils. It was informed that the residents have voluntarily started cleaning of the area and in last one month, 700 bags of garbage have been collected and disposed off with the help of local administration and the Shrine Board.
The local residents also requested the CEO of the Shrine Board for fencing of Banganga on the pattern as it has been done on the Track to protect it from littering. The CEO assured them and asked for their co-operation in resolving land related issues before erection of fencing.
Besides identified items, the residents of Purana Daroor and Banganga also requested the Shrine Board for providing some additional water points, street light etc, for which the CEO assured for positive consideration.
In a separate meeting with the sanitation staff of the Shrine Board, action plan for effective segregation, collection and disposal of solid wastes along the Track has been discussed with aim to modernize the sanitation management and provide best services to the pilgrims.
It is pertinent to mention that National Green Tribunal had issued directions to Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to convene a meeting with various stake holders including residents of Banganga and Charanpaduka, Union of Pithu and Ponies and Sanitation staff of the Shrine Board to work out the action plan with regard to regularization of Equines movement on the track, disposal of Mule dung, disposal of other solid wastes and cleaning of Banganga.
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