Benchmarking of service levels by the municipality

(1) Having regard to the linkages between urban economy, infrastructure, productivity, poverty and environmental health in the municipal area, the municipality shall take adequate measures for – (a) management of urban environment, (b) measuring quality of living and working environment, (c) monitoring of pollution levels, and (d) undertaking health risk assessment. (2) For carrying out the purposes of sub-section (1), the municipality shall involve such professional agencies and community based organizations, either in the public sector or in the private sector, as may be necessary, to – (a) carry out studies on vulnerability and risk assessment, (b) enhance the capability of concerned municipal or other agencies through research and training activities for better management of environment, (c) prepare environmental management strategy and action plan, and establish adequate institutional framework for its implementation, and (d) provide and manage environmental infrastructure services. (3) The municipality shall before 31st March every year notify the standards to be achieved in relation to services relating to water supply, sewerage, sanitation, solid waste management, etc., as prescribed by the State Government, by the end of the next fiscal year. The standards to be achieved should be published every year in the State Gazette. These standards shall aim at achieving the benchmarks prescribed by the Government of India. (4) The Municipality shall periodically review the status of delivery of various services being provided.