Noida Society's Napkin Fee Sparks Resident Revolt

Residents in Jalvayu Vihar, Noida, have voiced strong objections to a recent directive from the Jalvayu Vihar Sector Association Society (JVSAS). The society issued a circular on June 20, stating that waste pickers would no longer collect sanitary napkins. This has led to residents alleging they are being asked to make separate arrangements or pay additional fees for disposing of sanitary waste and used diapers.

Initially, no specific amount was stated, but residents anticipate a monthly charge of around ₹300. The JVSAS circular justified this by claiming the current monthly subscription of ₹35 paid to the designated agency covers only the transportation of recyclable domestic waste to the dump yard. Residents contend that sanitary waste is a standard component of domestic waste and should be covered under the existing Noida authority's waste management system.

Further exacerbating concerns, residents noted the installation of numerous bins for pet waste while none are designated for sanitary or medical waste. A sector resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their experience of already paying extra for diaper collection, highlighting the impracticality of residents negotiating individual arrangements with waste collectors.

Savita Mehta, a resident of Sector 21, emphasized that sanitary waste is a daily necessity for many households and requires a proper collection system. JVSAS chairperson Dr. Abhijeet Kumar confirmed discussions with the Noida authority to resolve this issue. Conversely, SP Singh, general manager (health) at Noida authority, stated that the civic body's services explicitly include the collection of sanitary and medical waste, and assured an inquiry into the society's circular.