SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has once again made it clear that we are committed to make Srinagar city cent percent garbage free and for this purpose we are going to launch a public awareness campaign across the city to make them understand that they should not throw garbage on the road side ,because defacement of road is a crime.
In an exclusive Interview the SMC’s In-charge Chief Sanitization Officer Qazi Yousuf told to the STATE TIMES correspondent, “that with significant progress in efforts to rid the city of waste and open dumpers, the aim of making the city garbage-free will be achieved in near future as our field staff is on job to aware people regarding the programme”.
The SMC has already eliminated about half of the open waste sites and sheds in the city and is working to close the remaining ones. The Chief Sanitation Officer stated that the SMC has achieved 100 percent door-to-door rubbish collection in the city. In some areas where hoppers are failing, the department is collecting waste with workers pushing hand carts.
The SMC has also taken strict measures against individuals and businesses that have been caught polluting the roads. Some restaurant owners and others have been penalized for littering the roads. The SMC will continue to penalize anyone who breaks the law.
The SMC’s efforts to become garbage- and open dumper-free are commendable, as the city has long struggled with waste management. Overflowing garbage dumps and open garbage dumps have not only caused a foul odor but also posed a major health risk to the locals.
The Chief Sanitation Officer has guaranteed that the SMC is committed to achieving the goal of keeping Srinagar garbage- and open dumper-free within weeks and for this purpose we are going to eliminate remaining waste sites like Natipora near Rambagh flyover, Kothibagh near Jalshakti office and other sites.
“Residents of Srinagar have appreciated the SMC’s initiative expressed hope that it will be successful in keeping the city clean. Citizens have also been requested to help the SMC with this project by properly disposing of their trash and not littering on the roads,” he added.
The SMC’s efforts to rid Srinagar of rubbish and open dumpers are admirable, and it is anticipated that the initiative will be effective in meeting its goal within the set timeframe. Srinagar residents must also contribute by assisting the SMC in the effort and ensuring that the city remains neat clean.