Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 19: Zilla panchayat (ZP) chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Kumar, warned that if the panchayat development officers (PDO) do not take the issue of installing solid waste disposal unit within the gram panchayat limits seriously, action will be initiated against them without any lenience.

He was speaking at the progress review meeting held at the auditorium of the zilla panchayat here on Thursday March 18. "Those gram panchayats which have kept the construction of solid waste disposal unit pending under the Swachh Bharat Mission, have to complete the works without further delay. Within a month, there should be notable progress in the issue like survey, identification of the site, and progress in construction. If any of the panchayats face problem of land, they should enter into understanding with the neighbouring gram panchayat. If the PDOs still try to neglect the matter and come out with lame reasons, we will serve notices," he stated.

Dr Kumar clarified that permission from the health department is not necessary for the unit. However, care should be taken to see that there are no houses within a distance of 200 meters, he said. These units are meant to collect waste and sort dry and wet waste. If the people object, it is the responsibility of the PDOs to convince them," he stated.