Preparations for Swachh Survekshan 2020 with the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation starting documentation work, a prerequisite for the visit of the team of central observers inspecting the sites.

Dhanbad, which secured the 56th place nationally during Swachh Survekshan 2019, is hoping the launch of its integrated solid waste management project worth Rs 274 crore would earn it higher points for a better ranking in 2020.

It is also banking on the launch of its door-to-door garbage collection in 23 wards of Jharia and Dhanbad circles.

A team of observers deputed by the Union ministry of drinking water and sanitation is likely to visit Dhanbad during January. The team will, on the basis of the documents, submitted by the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation assess the claims of the civic body through field visits and take feedback from residents.

Talking to The Telegraph, city manager (sanitation) of Dhanbad Municipal Corporation Prem Prakash said: “Hiring the Hyderabad-based concessionaire Ramky Enviro Engineers to implement the solid waste management worth Rs 274 crore, which comprises door to door collection and transport of garbage, segregation of municipal waste at the source point and disposal and recycling of garbage are what will go in our favour. Solid waste management has been implemented in our place extremely well.”

He added they would list other civic achievements such as roads being cleaned by five mechanised sweepers in all urban areas of Dhanbad since October this year and renovation and beautification of Bekar Bandh at a cost of around Rs 9.72 crore.

“We are spreading awareness on cleanliness and health to ensure people’s participation at all 55 wards under Dhanbad Municipal Corporation spread over five circles Jharia, Dhanbad, Sindri, Katras and Chhatatand. This IEC (information, education and communication) activity is being carried out at 23 wards by Ramky Enviro Engineers. In the rest 32, it’s the DMC,” said Prakash.

Councillor of ward 40 of Dhanbad Jai Kumar expressed hope that this time Dhanbad’s ranking would improve.

“In reality, a lot of work has been done,” Kumar said. “Especially when related to solid waste management. Dhanbad is much cleaner now than earlier. We hope that this is maintained in the years to come.”