Make People Aware Before Penalising

 This has become a norm with most of the public authorities.  They take action and expect everyone to comply or get penalised. 

The Chandigarh Administration's recent notice to segregate their waste otherwise they would have to pay fine.  The announcement came on 19th December. And the penalisation begins w.e.f. 22nd December. 

Is the Administration and the people well informed how the wet and dry waste is to be segregated?

There are different points of engagements that need to be taken care of logistically to make segregation a seamless process. 

I remember Panchkula MC began this campaign two years back with extensive hoardings, messaging on mobile, with instructions, besides using the print media, printed leaflets and posters for displaying in public places so that the populace is informed. 

Even the three differently color waste baskets were distributed free to the households; and many retailers also started selling the wastebins in three colors to facilitate its adoption. 

The collection vehicles were painted accordingly, and the MC staff was trained in collection and disposal process. 

Chandigarh Administration should look into all these aspects and instead of imposing fines, should spend at least three months in running public campaigns in which various NGOs should also be involved to spread the message. 

Same is the case with the traffic challans.   On most roads the signage is missing for speed limits, and even if these are there, these are sparsly displayed.  

Similarly with no alternative space demarcated for parking in the absence of the limited parking spaces around the markets, the challans are issued without making any provision for parking.   

The Administration should focus on facilitating residents and making their life easy with workable solutions for which it must also take the responsibility, instead of penalising the people.