Sambalpur: Sambalpur Municipal Corporation’s Fine Mocked; Despite 3 Crore Contract, Cleaning Agency Fined Mere 1500 INR
Sambalpur: The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation’s mockery of action continues, as they impose a fine of only 1500 INR on a cleaning agency despite awarding them a 3 crore contract. This meager fine is levied monthly for insufficient cleaning. This has raised suspicions of collusion between officials and the agency, according to an insider, who claims that everyone is involved in the looting and that fines are merely a ruse to absolve officials of responsibility.
Division of Wards and Responsibility
Sambalpur has 41 wards, divided into three sections. Some areas are managed directly by the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, while others, including Hirakud and Burla, are overseen by a private agency. Every month, these two agencies receive more than 3 crores. However, residents are well aware of how the work is being carried out, prompting MLA Jayanarayan Mishra and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to demand accountability. Despite their insistence, neither the officials nor the contracted agencies are listening to the complaints. During review meetings, officials agree with the MLA and Minister’s points but do nothing in practice. Even the Deputy Commissioner complained that waste was not collected on time, highlighting the inefficiency.
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Staffing and Efficiency Concerns
Rajkishore Bakti of Ward 22 stated that each ward has two beat peons, a ward officer, a sanitation inspector, a sanitation expert, another sanitation inspector, a nodal officer, four Swachh Sathis, and a Swachh supervisor. Despite the extensive staffing, proper cleaning is still not accomplished. Every month, over 3 crores are spent on cleaning, and awareness campaigns are run. However, the work remains incomplete due to employees’ lack of commitment and the contracted agency’s arbitrary actions, which frustrate the public.
Lack of Progress Despite Promises
A review meeting was held last month to ensure that the city was completely clean, but no significant progress has been made in the four weeks since. This has prompted additional complaints about the lack of action. Sambalpur Municipal Corporation has not responded to these allegations.
