MCD aiming at open-defecation free tag

NEW DELHI: Senior officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) informed that the unified civic body is planning to reapply for open defecation-free (ODF) certification.

Local body official from the Department of Environment Management Services (sanitation wing) informed that the deadline for filling application is January 31 and MCD will reapply for certification under the ODF++ category.

ODF+ and ODF++ protocol means that the civic body has improved access to individual toilets, amenities in community and other public toilets, their maintenance, functionality, waste faecal sludge and septage management.

An official said, “Under the old regime, the North MCD had ODF+ certification, while South and East MCD had secured ODF++ certificates. We were hoping to gain points on the basis of these certifications, but the Urban Affairs Ministry officials did not agree. We have to apply from scratch to obtain ODF++ certification.”

In pursuance of ODF certification goal, MCD has prepared a report on its initial service level benchmark regarding sewerage management, water supply, sanitation management, solid waste management and sanitation services and storm water drains. As per the internal assessment, the city has much to do on service level parameters including coverage of sewer network, collection efficiency of sewerage network and sewage treatment capacity, segregation of municipal solid waste, scientific disposal of municipal solid waste and storm water drainage network.