It flies in the face of cleanliness initiatives
Valpoi: The much-hyped Swachh Bharat Abhiyan seems to have missed the backyard of the municipal garden at Valpoi, which continues to present a dismal picture when it comes to cleanliness in public places.
Unhygienic conditions prevail in the area with disused dustbins and trash, including scrap items stored for the last several years, seen discarded here; reflecting the indifferent attitude of the concerned authorities. It is a mockery of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched with an aim to keep public places clean.
With an aim of child-centric development, Valpoi MLA, Vishwajit Rane is keen on bringing up major cosmetic changes in the existing garden which is presently in a dilapidated condition, and even laid the foundation stone for this project recently. Yet, the scene behind the existing premises remains the same.
“We have brought to the notice of one senior council member. However, there were no changes in these conditions. Our MLA is taking efforts to bring out a new dimension of development with projects keeping people in mind, and I think it is the civic body’s responsiblity to maintain these projects” pointed out a senior citizen.
This garden premises is one of the busiest places with chicken vendors and a public toilet situated here. However, the Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) fails to maintain the site, leading to the place turning into a dumping site for scrap items.
“This is a disgusting place to visit. Discarded dustbins, tyres, scrap materials, open dustbins etc. is
what meets the eye of a passerby” said a local. He further said that the civic body should have at least initiated a cleanliness drive in the area when they were aware that the foundation stone function of the garden was scheduled here, adding that it is unfortunate that the civic body wants to present a dismal picture of the garden to the public.
Some locals even said that the dumped scrap materials were stolen during the night.
“There should be accountability for everything. It is public money after all. Trucks, vehicles and other scrap materials should be disposed of by following proper procedures. They cannot simply dump and convert a public place into a dump yard” said a local resident.