Smart tracker betters waste collection

NASHIK: Even as Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) struggles to ensure that ghantagadis - garbage pick-up vans - stick to their schedule, a tracker system installed by a local corporator is turning out to be a smart answer to the issue.
Handed out division-wise, the garbage van contract was in question since the very first day, especially following opposition by many corporators.As the city administration continues to struggle to maintain a cleaner environment, the administration's special helpline number on garbage too received a cold response from citizens.
Then Satish Sonawane, corporator of ward 53 (B) came up with an idea and launched an electronic system that would track the movement of garbage vans. While the NMC launched its SMS system in January 2014, the corporator started the system in February.
The system was set up at a cost of Rs 60,000 by the corporator. "I had personally understood the system and then proposed the same to the NMC. However, they were skeptical and hence I decided to launch the system in my ward," Sonawane said.
In the system, routes of garbage vans were identified in a manner that would ensure zero overlap. Solar-powered transmitters or route loggers were mounted on electricity poles to keep a track of the movement of vans in the ward. "The system does not require any interference. The transmitters can be unmounted and moved," Sonawane said.
All ghantagadi drivers have been told about the system. "The system is fitted on the tractor or the vehicle and we are aware of the process," said Shrikant, a van driver.
The NMC's SMS system failed to get any response from citizens - with just above 250 texts received so far, the issue of unclean environment is still making headlines. In sharp contrast, ward number 53 appears to be cleaner.
"There could be exceptions and I have people whom I interact with regularly in the area to get a feel of the system's success," Sonawane, who got his ISO-certified office - the first of its kind in the State - said.
"The road behind Chaddha Park always has garbage strewn around. As of now, there are open spaces along the 150-meter road on both sides and citizens from anywhere simply drop the garbage in the area. We have caught many in the act and advised them about discontinuing the practice," Sonawane said.