The 65-km stretch of NH 47/544 from Thrissur to Edappally will get an all new look under the ‘Swachhata Pakhwada,’ a fortnight-long cleanliness drive under the ‘Go Green Initiatives/Swachh Bharat Mission.’
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in association with Guruvayur Infrastructure Private Limited (GIPL), which is the NHAI’s concessionaire for the Thrissur-Edappally section of the NH47/544), began the drive on July 16.
“More than 100 workers are cleaning the entire stretch. The waste dumped on the highway has been removed. The bushes on medians have been pruned, weeds cleared and bus stops cleaned. Waste bins have been placed at all bus stops on the stretch,” said A.V. Suraj, Chief Operation Officer of GIPL.
Mobile campaign units have been set up as part of the drive.
Preserving the earth, air and water from pollution is the theme of the campaign. “Apart from a public campaign, we are conducting awareness programmes in schools too. Some of the local bodies have extended support for the mission,” Mr. Suraj said.
Dumping of waste, especially poultry waste and food waste from eateries, is one of the major problems faced by national highways. This provides sumptuous feast for street dogs which often cause accidents on the NH, the authorities said.
The campaign provides guidelines for eateries on the NH on ways to keep hygiene. The eateries have been directed to keep the food items closed, to avoid flies and cockroaches.
Water tanks should be cleaned regularly and kept closed. Organic waste should be dumped in compost pits. Inorganic waste should be segregated and sent for recycling. Littering of NHs should be avoided and clean toilets should be provided, say the guidelines.