In line with their policy of reuse and repair, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Karol Bagh Zone, is making use of old dumping grounds or dhalaos to build libraries, recreation centres, and vishram grih (rest house) for community helpers – the safai karamcharis and malis.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, IAS officer Shashanka Ala, the Deputy Commissioner of Karol Bagh Zone, shared details about the initiative.
REUSING DHALAOS
Ms Ala said thatit’s a policy of the municipal corporation to make the wards dhalao free. So, they identified the dhalaos and decided to turn them into something useful. “Basically, we want to reuse things we already have, because if we keep on constructing new things, then that only brings more pollution.”
The process of converting the dumping grounds into something useful started after Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) complained about the overflowing and foul-smelling dhalaos. That’s when the municipal corporation took steps to close them down and start collection of garbage from homes by small trucks.
The corporation then told the residents that they will close the dhalaos only if everyone will be disciplined enough to give the garbage to the small trucks which will come to their doorsteps for collection. “So, we got a fleet of 15 new mechanised tippers, with separate wet and dry sections. After collecting the garbage, the tipper goes to the compacter which is installed at Pusa roundabout and from thereon, to the landfills.”
After this, the dhalaos were turned into vishram grih or resting places for the safai karamcharis (community helpers) and malis (gardeners).
Before converting the dhalaos, the corporation made some renovations and additions like putting new gates, providing electricity facilities, and adding rooms.
These resting rooms include dining tables, siting places, wash basins, toilets, and also suggestion boxes fr feedback.
“When they come back after sweeping or gardening, they can keep all their instruments at one place and take some rest here,” Ms. Ala said.
The RWAs and the community helpers were present on the inauguration day of the vishram grihs. In fact the municpal corporation made them do the inaugurate honours. “When we close down the dhalaos, the first beneficiaries were the RWAs because the dumping grounds were troubling them. So, naturally, they were the ones who were most happy, Ms. Ala said.
SIMILAR PLANS IN THE PIPELINE
She further said that more such projects are there in pipeline, like turning one such place into a library for underprivileged children, another into a charging station for electric vehicles, yet another into a sewing machine skill centre for women.
With quick grievance redressal along with adequate planning and support from the RWAs, MCD Karol Bagh zone aspires to be dhalao-free by March 2023. And, the good thing is, the closed dhalaos will not just be dismantled, but reused for something beneficial.
