Q & A with Sarfaraz Khan, Joint Commissioner, Solid Waste Management

Q: The BBMP  has been stressing on garbage segregation at source since February 1. How well has this worked?
A: The segregation percentage is seeing a gradual improvement from the existing 35 to 40 per cent as a whole for the city. By the end of February we are expecting  significant improvement in the segregation percentage.

Q: Where has segregation picked up?
A: The BBMP areas on the outskirts of the city are doing really well. The segregation here has crossed 60 per cent. The BBMP east zone too is faring well. The trouble pockets are in the south and west BBMP zones where the percentage is between 15 and 20 per cent.

Q: Why is the segregation percentage so poor in these two zones?
A: Going by  the feedback I have received from our officers, the poor percentage can be attributed to the large number of slums in these two zones. Our officers are confident of improving the segregation percentage in days to come.

Q: In many areas the civic workers themselves are not aware of the garbage segregation. What is being done about this?
A: In  all the wards, the pourakarmikas are educated on garbage segregation at the mustering centres by our officers. They are advised not to receive garbage that is not segregated.

Q: How will the message of garbage segregation reach people in all walks of life?
A: Awareness drives are being carried out in all the wards. We have roped in Resident Welfare Associations to take the message to a larger audience. We also conduct awareness sessions in schools. The idea is to inform children about the benefits of garbage segregation, so they can take the message   to their homes and neighbourhoods.