The board of administrators (BoA) of Kurseong municipality has decided to make the hill town a “zero waste” area.

Subhash Pradhan, the vice-chairman of the BoA, said as a part of the initiative, the board had decided that from next month, it would be compulsory for the residents to produce the monthly receipt showing the payment of garbage fees to get any certificate from the civic body.

“We want to make the Kurseong civic area a ‘zero waste’ zone. From now on, a resident will have to submit the receipt of the waste clearance fees to collect any certificate from the civic body. These include residential certificates, certificates of death and birth, approval of building plans, mutation and some other civic-related services. From February, the monthly conservancy fee will be Rs 50 for households,” said Pradhan.

He said hotels, bars and eateries would have to pay Rs 2,000 as a conservancy fee each month. For groceries, other shops, small stalls and medicine shops, the charge will vary between Rs 100 and Rs 200. For homestays, the fee is Rs 500 per month.

The hill town, which is also known as the ‘Land of White Orchid,’ is located about 50km from Siliguri and has a total of 20 wards with a population of around 50,000.

It is also the hometown of Anit Thapa, the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

The town is surrounded by some world-famous tea plantations and scenic locations. Kursoeng is also known as the education hub of the Darjeeling hills and emerged as a popular offbeat tourist destination in recent years. A number of homestays and hotels have come up in the town and the surrounding areas.

According to Pradhan, three months back, the BoA took the decision to keep the town clean, ensure regular clearing of garbage and prevent littering. After the decision, they displayed it in prominent locations of the town and sought suggestions or objections from the residents.

“We waited for three months and held talks with local people. Based on their feedback, the decision will be imposed from next month. We are displaying the copies of the order in the town so that people can learn about the new rates and rules,” he added.