Nagpur: In a recent development, the State’s Legal Metrology Department has initiated an inquiry against the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The investigation was prompted by discrepancies observed in the weighing scale at the Bhandewadi Dumping Yard, according to a report in a local daily.
According to the report and Pandurang Biradar, Divisional Controller of the Legal Metrology Department, a surprise inspection was carried out on the weighing machine on Thursday night. The scale, used to measure the weight of garbage-laden vehicles, was found to display excess weight compared to the actual weight of the waste being transported in tippers.
The inspection was carried out following a complaint regarding irregularities in the scale. This marks the first instance of a complaint related to discrepancies in weight measurement. Upon investigation, it was determined that the issue was one of overweight rather than underweight. NMC has been directed to rectify the scale within seven days.
NMC has enlisted the services of two garbage collection firms responsible for lifting approximately 1,300 metric tonnes of waste daily from the city and transporting it to Bhandewadi. Each tipper, carrying waste, is mandated to pass through NMC’s weighing scale, which has been in operation for over 20 years.
After obtaining permission from its headquarters in Mumbai, a squad from the local Legal Metrology Department, led by Biradar and comprising two inspectors, conducted an inspection at Bhandewadi Yard. Confirming the validity of the complaint, the team sealed the weighing scale in the presence of NMC Zonal Officer (SWM) Rohidas Rathod.
During the investigation, vehicles loaded with 13 tonnes and 17 tonnes of chicken waste were found to display approximately 350 to 400kg excess weight on the NMC’s weighing scale. Interestingly, these same vehicles were underweight when checked at a private weighbridge, as reported.
It’s worth noting that the Legal Metrology Department had calibrated the weighing scale approximately eight months ago, certifying its proper functionality at that time. The ongoing inquiry aims to address the identified discrepancies and ensure accurate weight measurement in waste transportation activities in the future.
NMC Deputy Municipal Commissioner (SWM) Dr Gajendra Mahalle said the weighing scale was recalibrated a couple of months ago and now it is showing error. “We are working on rectifying the error,” he said.
Now, NMC is weighing garbage-laden vehicles at its bio-mining site where a sensor-based machine is being used.
The Legal Metrology Department has appealed to citizens to lodge complaints on helpline number 9404951828 if they come across malfunctioning weighing scales in shops and markets.
