Residents Call for Improved Waste Management Infrastructure in ICR

Read Time:2 Minute, 9 Second

Itanagar, June 22: Residents across the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) have expressed concern over the growing challenges in waste management, stating that the existing garbage collection system requires significant upgrades to effectively handle the increasing volume of daily waste.

While garbage collection services have been introduced in several parts of the capital region, residents point out that the small size of collection vehicles is inadequate for densely populated localities and large coverage areas. As a result, roadsides, drains, and riverbanks continue to witness accumulation of garbage, leading to foul odour, environmental pollution and blockage of drainage systems.

Residents of multi-storeyed residential areas have particularly highlighted the difficulty of accessing garbage collection vehicles, especially for those living farther away from designated collection points.

A resident of Abotani Colony stated that although garbage trucks operate in the area, many households located at a distance find it difficult to dispose of their waste. The resident further noted that the vehicles often reach capacity quickly, forcing some people to leave garbage in open spaces.

Locals have also raised concerns over waste being dumped along roadsides, rivers and drainage channels. Such waste is often scattered by stray animals and rag pickers, creating unhygienic conditions and unpleasant surroundings.

The timing of waste collection has emerged as another major issue. According to residents, garbage trucks frequently arrive between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, coinciding with school and office hours. Many households are therefore unable to hand over their waste during the scheduled collection period. Consequently, some residents are compelled to store waste until the next collection round, while others resort to burning garbage, contributing to air pollution and health concerns.

Residents of Polo Colony in Naharlagun under Ward No. 15 have also expressed dissatisfaction over delays in waste collection. They reported that collection vehicles often spend extended periods in a single locality, resulting in waiting times of more than an hour for residents in neighbouring areas during busy morning hours.

The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), under the leadership of Mayor Likha Nari Tadar, has been actively conducting cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal practices across the ICR. However, residents believe that enhanced waste management infrastructure, larger-capacity garbage collection vehicles, improved collection schedules and greater public participation are essential to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable capital region.

Citizens have urged the concerned authorities to review the existing waste collection mechanism and implement long-term solutions to address the growing waste management challenges in the ICR.

(The article has been contributed by student interns from Dera Natung Government College , Itanagar.)