SMC grapples with shortage of sanitation staff

Srinagar, Oct 4: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is grappling with a severe shortage of sanitation staff, as around 302 posts of sweepers remain vacant which is severely impacting the cleanliness and hygiene of the city.

As per the official figures, out of 1726 sanctioned positions of sweepers as many as 302 posts are unfilled in SMC Srinagar, raising concerns about the sanitation works in several areas.

The official figures have been sought by M M Shuja through an RTI application from SMC Srinagar. Shuja has also sought the details of the revenue generated by SMC from the last five years.

"The shortage of sweepers has already resulted in mounting garbage piles at various spots and streets particularly in densely populated areas as the available staff cannot cater to all the areas," an official said wishing not to be named. He however said the issues are being addressed by assigning the additional areas to available sweepers to maintain hygiene in the city areas falling under the jurisdiction of SMC Srinagar.

"No doubt it adds to the workload of the available staff but we have to manage it till the vacant positions are filled," the official said.

The official said the posts have remained vacant due to the retirement of the sweepers as no fresh recruitment has been done by SMC in the last few years.

"In coming months and years, the number of vacancies may increase following the retirement of  several sweepers here," the official said.