Guwahati: NGOs Accused Of Charging Excessive Fees For Waste Collection

GUWAHATI : It has come to the fore that many NGOs under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), are charging higher rates for waste collection from households in the city. These non government organisations are demanding rates that is comparatively higher than what was decided by the state administration.

Several such organisations have been found charging 50% more than the notified rate. In December 2014, GMC passed an order mentioning the amount the NGO needs to collect while collecting solid waste from the residents. It was clearly stated in the notice that, an NGO can charge Rs 30 from an individual household and Rs 20 was decided for per flat in an apartment.

However, it has come to light that this rule has been violated by most of the NGOs in the city. According to sources, residents claimed that, the NGO after taking Rs 50, gives a receipt of Rs 30.

Complaints regarding this issue has been seen in areas such as Maligaon, Hatigaon and Bharalumukh. Interlinked with this violation of rule by the NGOs, another concerning issue raises, as people also claim that, due to absence of GMC vehicles, garbage is disposed in Bharalu river.

GMC is irregular in collecting waste products from the households, as a result of which residents throw all the garbage in the river, polluting the river and the environment as a whole.

An owner of an NGO however asserted that it is impossible to work on the amount notified by GMC. Services cannot be provided in such a less amount. Nonetheless, a GMC official stated that, the department will cross check the matter into look into the issue closely to see if any NGO is violating the set rules.

Inspite of GMC claiming that 90 NGOs are engaged in waste collection from households across the city, many areas have complained about irregularity of the service.

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