Child rights panel serves notice to DC, MC

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 3

Taking cognizance of the delay in action by the district administration and the Municipal Corporation to remove an open garbage dump located outside the premises of Sai Dass Senior Secondary School, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sent a notice to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Municipal Corporation (MC) to take an appropriate action within 10 days, failing which the commission would be constrained to initiate further action under Section 14 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights(CPCR) Act, 2005.

Reportedly, this was the third letter, dropped at the DC and MC office by the commission this year. The issue was first raised by a city-based resident Sanjay Sehgal, member RTI cell, Punjab Congress Committee. In his complaint to the NCPCR, he had mentioned that the heaps of garbage placed adjacent to two school playgrounds, near Patel Chowk, have become an eyesore for the school students. However, even after several complaints, the MC authorities have failed to remove the open garbage dump.

Hence, to ensure child safety and health, he wrote to the NCPCR to issue a show-cause notice to the MC Commissioner to remove the dump within a time-bound period. Following this, the NCLP had sent first letter in the month of August, directing DC and MC commissioner to inquire into the matter and remove the garbage dump within 30 days, however, both the officials neglected to initiate any action. Consequently, on October 22, the NCLP again issued a letter giving 20 days time to the officials to not only wipe out the garbage dump from the area but also submit an action report.

Yet again, considering the health of the growing children, the commission this time has strictly directed the administration and civic body officials to clear the area within 10 days, otherwise the commission will be forced to take further action under the CPCR Act.

Notably, the garbage is not only creating problems for the school going kids but also for commuters and area residents. The dump has also become a breeding ground for the insects and the stray dogs and cattle further look for food in the garbage.

“It is the priority of the government to protect and save children from such hassles, as open garbage dump can pose a serious threat to the environment and the health of people”, stated Sehgal.