Srinagar, June 20: Administrative functioning in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) sanitation wing has come to a standstill after an officer assigned additional charge as Chief Sanitation Officer (CSO) reportedly failed to assume the responsibility, leaving the crucial post vacant for weeks.
Earlier this month, the SMC had issued an order assigning Assistant Executive Engineer Firdous Ahad the additional charge of Chief Sanitation Officer following the retirement of the previous incumbent. Ahad was already holding two responsibilities, making the sanitation post his third assignment.
However, sources said the officer has not formally joined the post, resulting in a leadership vacuum in the sanitation department at a time when the civic body is grappling with routine waste management and cleanliness operations.
The situation has triggered concern within the corporation, with officials pointing to delays in decision-making and administrative approvals due to the absence of a designated head for the sanitation wing.
The arrangement had already attracted attention after the corporation entrusted three key responsibilities to a single officer despite the availability of other officials in the department.
Sources said the prolonged uncertainty has affected the functioning of the sanitation office, prompting calls for the SMC administration to appoint a full-time officer and end the stalemate.
Officials, however, maintained that the charge arrangement was made on a temporary basis pending the posting of suitable officers against vacant positions.
