MC to maintain ‘swachhta’ after rath yatra in city

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 13

Unlike previous years, the Municipal Corporation this year has taken the responsibility to keep the city clean after the culmination of the Lord Jagannath rath yatra, which will be taken out on December 17.

Like every year, there will be a plenty of stalls of eatables along the entire route — starting from Durga Mata Temple, Jagraon Bridge to Durga Mata Temple, Sarabha Nagar. After the yatra ends, leftovers and garbage can be seen lying all along the route.

However, keeping in mind the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Municipal Corporation authorities held detailed discussions with the organisers of the Lord Jagannath rath yatra and decided to take up the cleanliness task.

MC Additional Commissioner Rishipal Singh, under whose leadership the meeting was held with organisers, has ensured that this time, there would be no litter/garbage on roads after the culmination of the yatra.

Talking to The Tribune, Rishipal Singh said MC employees and sanitary inspectors would ensure that the city gives a neat and clean look after the yatra. He said eight inspectors had been asked to ensure cleanliness after the yatra. With them, 400 workers will sweep the roads and two JCBs will be there for the collection of garbage, he added.

“The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, initiated by the Central Government, needs to be maintained at any cost,” said Rishipal.

At the same time, residents feel the devotees too should maintain cleanliness. “We always blame the authorities. If we, as responsible citizens, dispose of the leftovers in carry bags or dustbins, we will bring a positive change,” said Amarjeet Kaur, a teacher.