Cleanliness, dairy shifting major tasks for new Rohtak MC Commissioner

The Rohtak Municipal Corporation welcomed its new Commissioner, Anand Kumar Sharma, on Thursday, but he steps into office facing a host of unresolved civic issues that demand urgent attention.

Among the challenges ahead is retaining the city’s top position in the ongoing Swachh Survekshan. Despite Rohtak being declared the cleanest city in Haryana during the 2023 survey, the current sanitation scenario tells a different story. Garbage accumulation on main roads and in market areas, largely due to sluggish waste collection, has raised concerns among the residents and civic observers alike. Adding to the list of challenges is the shifting of dairies to the designated Kanheli Dairy Complex. Despite repeated notices, over 50 per cent of the allottees are yet to shift despite being served several notices. They are reportedly demanding basic amenities at the site before making the move. The project, initiated several years ago, involved the allotment of 250 plots to dairy operators to ease their transitioning out of congested urban areas.

Road cleanliness, a key factor in Rohtak’s previous 2023 Swachhta Survey success, has also declined. Former Municipal Councillor and senior BJP leader Ashok Khurana attributed this to the lack of outsourcing for road sweeping this year.

“The Municipal Corporation is trying to handle the road sweeping in-house, but the shortage of sanitation workers is making it difficult to maintain cleanliness. The workers first focus on residential areas and only afterward clean main roads—leading to delays and visible waste accumulation,” Khurana added.

He said that earlier, outsourced staff would clean roads at night, so residents woke up to spotless streets. Now, litter can be seen in various parts of the city. Meanwhile, Commissioner Anand Kumar Sharma said focused efforts would be made to implement government schemes effectively and resolve public grievances promptly.

“Sanitation will be a top priority, and public participation will be encouraged. Raising awareness about cleanliness is vital, as it cannot be achieved without community support,” he said.

Haryana Tribune