'Smart TMC' forms RAF team to clear solid waste

As an R-Day gift to Thanekars, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has come up with ‘Rapid Action Force’ for solid waste management, which will help in maintaining hygiene and ensure open defecation-free city.

It seems the TMC is on a cleanliness spree. After clean-up marshals, it's the turn of Rapid Action Force. Talking about the newly formed team, deputy commissioner Ashok Kumar Rankhamb said, “There are 25 health inspectors in the team and a vehicle which would help them to operate. Residents can inform about any accumulated waste on 25371010 in the area to the force members.”

Residents can complaint about waste and force members will reach within one hour and action will be taken. Health inspectors will also ensure appropriate punishment amounting to fine of Rs5,000 to Rs25,000 against commercial establishments or shops using plastic bags below 50 microns.

The RAF team will also work to prevent defecation in public and slowly their task would be extended further. For maintaining cleanliness, this is definitely praiseworthy step taken by the corporation, but officials need to maintain the system started by them. The members will create awareness among the public to make sure that people dump garbage in ‘ghanta gadis’, bins and other designated places. Sensitisation programme will be organised and fine would also be recovered by RAF members.

Civic officials are confident of getting a positive response and with the help of RAF members they will ensure cleanliness and hygiene in and around the city.