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★Mark us as a preferred sourceThe Government of West Bengal has announced a comprehensive modernization of urban civic services, focusing on technology-driven waste management. The planned measures include QR-code-based tracking of household waste collection, GPS monitoring of garbage trucks, and enhancing food supply networks for the needy. The ultimate goal is 100 percent waste processing and the complete elimination of open dumping.
Technology-Driven and Transparent Waste Collection
The state government outlined these new development strategies during the discussion on the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs budget in the Assembly. According to Minister Agnimitra Paul, the new system aims to make municipal services more transparent, citizen-centric, and technology-driven.
The most significant innovation involves assigning a unique QR code to every household in urban areas, enabling precise documentation and real-time tracking of the waste collection process. Furthermore, all waste collection vehicles will be equipped with GPS trackers. This solution allows for real-time monitoring of collection routes, thereby increasing accountability and service reliability.
The primary objective of the strategy is to achieve 100 percent door-to-door waste collection, complete waste segregation at the source, scientific processing of daily waste, and the permanent eradication of open dumping.
Capacity Expansion and Clearing Legacy Waste Dumps
According to the minister, approximately 75,000 ‘Nirmal Bandhus’ and 6,000 ‘Nirmal Sathis’ (sanitation workers and volunteers) are currently engaged in waste collection and public awareness programs across the state’s urban local bodies. Door-to-door collection has already been implemented in most municipal areas; therefore, the government is now focusing on achieving 100 percent segregation at the source.
Regarding processing capacities, 16 new waste processing plants are currently operational in the state. An additional 67 facilities are under construction and are expected to become functional during the 2026-27 financial year, while construction work on another 32 processing plants will commence soon.
Addressing the problem of accumulated legacy waste is also a high priority. The government plans to scientifically clear these old dumpsites by May 31, 2027. This initiative aims to reclaim urban land, reduce environmental pollution, and prevent groundwater contamination.
Urban local bodies will also introduce biometric attendance systems, material recovery facilities (MRFs), decentralized waste processing units, composting facilities, and bio-CNG production, in line with the principles of the circular economy. Simultaneously, citizen grievance redressal platforms related to sanitation will be strengthened to ensure faster and more efficient handling of complaints.
Social Developments: ‘Maa Ahar’ Canteens and Food Recovery
Alongside infrastructural and waste management developments, social services are also being revamped. Minister Agnimitra Paul announced a reform of the state-subsidized ‘Maa Ahar’ meal program. In the future, guests will be able to sit and eat in restaurant-like conditions, rather than eating while standing or opting for takeaways. Making the service more convenient and dignified will be achieved without any increase in the price of the meals.
West Bengal currently operates 390 ‘Maa Ahar’ canteens, providing subsidized meals to around 85,000 people daily. Nearly 100 of these canteens are located near hospitals.
Another new measure is the launch of a comprehensive food recovery initiative. Under this program, surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and various social events will be collected. The food will be safely stored via a dedicated cold-chain network and, following quality checks by food safety officers, distributed among economically disadvantaged communities to prevent the waste of high-quality meals. The construction of the cold-chain infrastructure required to launch the program will begin shortly.
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Original Press Source: Economic Times – Infra: Bengal plans QR-based waste tracking…
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