CAG Report Uncovers Major Irregularities in Jharkhand's Waste Management

A performance audit by the CAG revealed significant irregularities in solid waste management across Jharkhand's urban local bodies. The audit highlighted issues in planning, financial management, and project implementation. It called for the formation of monitoring committees and the submission of annual reports to address inefficiencies.

Major irregularities in solid waste management have been uncovered across Jharkhand's urban local bodies (ULBs), according to the latest CAG report presented in the assembly. Anomalies were noted in planning, financial management, project implementation, and expenditures.

The performance audit involved test-checking 14 out of 50 ULBs, covering the financial years from 2017-18 to 2021-22, revealing significant lapses. The audit noted that nine out of 14 ULBs did not recognize organizations of informal waste pickers or collectors, and none prepared solid waste management (SWM) plans.

Other alarming findings include a 28 percent vacancy for sanitary supervisors, an 89 percent vacancy in the public health officer cadre, and several unutilized or non-functional waste management facilities. The report recommended annual submissions on waste management and forming district or ULB-level committees to monitor SWM plans.

(With inputs from agencies.)