Municipal commissioner plants sapling
, municipal commissioner of Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC), Seelam Sai Teja, on Thursday launched 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign with a plantation drive in Salori.
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He also conducted inspection of drains to check preparedness of the city ahead of the monsoon.
During the inspection, the commissioner expressed strong displeasure over the unhygienic conditions near Amitabh Bachchan Pulia in Chhota Baghara locality. Locals told him that due to the high number of lodges in the area and lack of cooperation from residents in door-to-door garbage collection, waste was being dumped directly into the drains.
The commissioner instructed the officials to issue notices to defaulting lodge owners and to revoke their property tax rebates. He also ordered the immediate cleaning of the drains using Poklen machinery.
He also inspected other areas, including the drain behind MNNIT near Aptron Crossing, where he noticed heavy silt accumulation obstructing water flow. He ordered for immediate removal of the silt, installation of safety nets, and spraying of disinfectants.
Inspections were also carried out at Medical College Crossing, George Town, and the Buddha Tazia drain on Nurullah Road. The commissioner directed the officials to install nets and expedite pre-monsoon cleaning. He also visited the municipal workshop at Karelabagh and directed for timely maintenance of the defunct vehicles.
The commissioner also instructed all zonal and livestock officers to inspect slaughterhouses and ensure the distribution of zip bags for hygienic waste management ahead of Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations.
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Later he, along with additional municipal commissioners Deependra Yadav and Rajeev Shukla, planted saplings at the MRF Center in Salori to mark the part of the World Environment Day.
After plantation, he inspected flood-affected areas along the Yamuna in Salori and directed the planting of 5,000 bamboo and 5,000 arjuna trees across a 15-kilometre stretch. He emphasised that this would reduce soil erosion, enhance greenery, and promote environmental conservation.
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Parisar, in its impact assessment, suggested developing a phased plan to introduce wider footpaths, cycle tracks, dedicated pick-up/drop-off zones, and universal accessibility in high-priority school zones. Other measures recommended were awareness programmes and strict enforcement of speed limits, parking restrictions, and honking bans near schools. Parisar also suggested securing funding through govt grants, public-private partnerships, or CSR. The district collector was urged to utilise Road Safety Funds collected as cess from vehicle sales. "In coming months, we will conduct a survey with the school, students and parents to get feedback on the changes implemented. Collaboration is crucial to this process," added Allapur. ---------------------- Official Speak We have started with temporary changes and floated a tender to make permanent improvements to infrastructure. There are a total of 19 areas where we plan to set up safe school zones and the next area we will be taking up on priority is Wanowrie. We are trying to pick areas where there are multiple schools for larger impact — Nikhil Mijar | Transport planner, PMC ---------------------- What Parents Say I am not comfortable sending my children walking or cycling to school even though we live only 300m away near Swargate. Footpaths are used by two-wheelers whenever there is traffic congestion, making walking on them unsafe. There need to be active CCTVs or police to fine such offenders. In the case of cycling, most larger vehicles don't follow traffic signals. So, I find it extremely risky. PMC should ensure stricter vigilance with help from the police and promote usage of safety gear like helmets for children who cycle to school — Preeti Sathe-Marathe | Scientist Now that my children are older, I am a little comfortable sending them to school on their own. However, in Kharadi, we have huge junctions and extremely wide roads with speeding vehicles. This remains a cause of worry. Safety is the biggest issue. Unless this changes and lane discipline improves, even sending my 16-year-old to school on foot can be scary. As for the younger ones — it's a big no — Neha Tamhe | Marketing professional and businesswoman Sending my son to school by cycle is not an option, largely because of the traffic situation in our city. I might be okay sending him alone via Ola/Uber once in a while, but it is important that he travels with someone known to me or my wife. Most motorists on NIBM Road drive without concern for anyone else. The infrastructure we have doesn't support pedestrians either. Sending children out walking, cycling or alone is not recommended — Amit Arora | IT professional Walking is okay but cycling can be traumatic for children and parents. My kids go to a school that is just 1.5km away. But we still pay for a school bus, as the road conditions in Dhayari are so bad that even motorists get scared, forget those who are cycling. I even bought a cycle for my daughter and would love for her to use it to go to school, but it will be stressful till she gets back home. I have no option — Ganesh Deshpande | IT professional ---------------------- Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
