Latest news with #SafaiApnao
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Dibrugarh strives to rid public spaces of tobacco spittle stains
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: The Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) has launched an intensive cleanliness drive to rid the city's public spaces of red stains left by paan, betel nuts, and tobacco spittle. The initiative, part of the 'Safai Apnao, Bimari Bhagao' (Adopt cleanliness, drive away disease) campaign, aims to restore the city's aesthetic appeal, while promoting public hygiene. For years, red-splattered pillars, walls, and footpaths have marred Dibrugarh's streets, a result of widespread spitting by paan and tobacco consumers. The stubborn stains create an eyesore and also pose health risks. To combat this, DMC has teamed up with Indore-based Shrishti Waste Management Services (SWMS) and mobilised enforcement staff, interns, and volunteers to scrub, repaint, and transform these public spaces. The drive involves deep cleaning the affected areas, repainting walls and pillars with white paint, and installing vibrant awareness messages, urging citizens to refrain from spitting. Mayor Saikat Patra emphasised that the campaign is as much about changing mindsets as it is about beautification. "These red spots have been a longstanding issue that affects both the visual appeal of our city and public health. Through this comprehensive drive, we are not just cleaning the city, but also spreading awareness about maintaining civic hygiene. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo We want Dibrugarh to be known for its cleanliness," Patra said. Teams armed with high-pressure jets, scrubbers, and eco-friendly cleaning agents have been deployed across key locations. The SWMS, known for its expertise in urban cleanliness projects, is providing technical support to ensure long-lasting results. While many residents have welcomed the initiative, some remain sceptical about its long-term impact. "It's a good step, but unless people change their habits, the stains will return," said Brishti Borah, a college student. To address this, the DMC is rolling out awareness programmes, including social media campaigns, highlighting the health hazards of spitting in public. The DMC plans to extend the drive to markets, bus stands, and govt offices in the weeks to come. Meanwhile, freshly painted walls now carry messages like "Spitting Spreads Diseases, Not Culture" and "Keep Dibrugarh Clean & Green".Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain as many habitual chewers continue to spit indiscriminately. Mayor Patra acknowledged the hurdles but remained optimistic. "Change takes time. We're committed to making Dibrugarh a cleaner, healthier city, one step at a time." As the drive gains momentum, the DMC hopes that civic pride will eventually override old habits, ensuring that Dibrugarh's public spaces stay stain-free for good.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
As Routine Sweeping Fails, NMC Takes Up Deep Cleaning, Lifts 772 Tonnes Waste In 12 Days
Nagpur: The sheer volume of garbage cleared in just 12 days — a staggering 772 tonnes — under a deep cleaning drive lays bare the scale of civic apathy and the collapse of routine sanitation across Nagpur. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In what is being seen as a desperate firefighting measure, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) was forced to launch a zone-wise drive, a brainchild of additional municipal commissioner Vasumana Pant, after streets across the city remained littered due to negligence by both residents and sanitation workers. The campaign, which began on June 19, exposed how routine street sweeping was widely ignored in several zones, compelling the Solid Waste Management (SWM) department led by chief sanitation officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle to undertake an intensive clean-up operation. This involved desilting drains, removing garden and construction waste, and clearing garbage-choked vacant plots. Pant admitted the campaign was not part of routine planning but was triggered by repeated complaints and public outrage over the filthy conditions in residential localities, marketplaces, and even arterial roads. "Citizens have made it a habit to dump waste, especially construction and demolition debris, on public spaces, despite awareness campaigns. Equally concerning is the inconsistent street sweeping and absenteeism among ground-level staff," Pant told TOI, adding that show-cause notices were served to sanitation workers who were found skipping duties. Despite NMC's repeated appeals, many open plots continue to be treated as garbage yards, and public toilets often remain in unhygienic conditions due to misuse and lack of maintenance. The clean-up effort is being accompanied by enforcement, such as penalties imposed by the Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) against individuals found dumping debris and littering public areas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Even as civic officials attempt damage control, the episode highlights the dysfunctional state of everyday sanitation, where routine cleanliness has been replaced by emergency drives, and citizens' carelessness continues to undermine efforts to keep Nagpur clean. NMC has appealed to residents to be responsible partners in cleanliness and to stop treating public spaces as dumping grounds. However, unless accountability is enforced consistently across the sanitation workforce and stricter penalties imposed on habitual offenders, officials fear the situation could deteriorate again — and quickly. *Campaign highlights* - 264 construction and demolition (C&D) waste hotspots cleaned - 164 tonnes of green waste (garden refuse) removed - A whopping 608 tonnes of general waste lifted - In total, 772 tonnes of waste was carted out between June 19 and July 1 *Additional drives* To consolidate gains from the clean-up, NMC will hold "Safai Apnao, Bimari Bhagao" campaign from July 1 to 30, which will include: - Public toilet sanitation drives - Handwash awareness in schools - Swachhata rallies and street plays - Special deep cleaning of chronic dirty zones
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Monsoon sanitation drive launched to rein in spread of vector-borne diseases
Ranchi: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state have launched the "Safai Apnao, Bimari Bhagao" campaign from Tuesday to July 31, as part of a nationwide monsoon sanitation drive initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The month-long campaign aims to strengthen cleanliness practices, improve sanitation infrastructure, and reduce the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases during the rainy season. Guided by MoHUA's instructions, Jharkhand's urban development and housing department has issued directives to all ULBs for immediate implementation. The campaign includes targeted waste removal from high-risk zones, intensified cleaning of public and community toilets, water quality testing, and daily solid waste collection. Door-to-door awareness drives will also be held to inform residents about preventive health and hygiene measures. Director of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA), Suraj Kumar, said the campaign is a timely intervention to help ULBs respond better to seasonal disease outbreaks. "Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to health risks during monsoon. This campaign is not only about sanitation, but about activating systems that prevent disease and promote citizen awareness," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In Ranchi, the Smart City Corporation has launched a parallel awareness initiative across 50 key public locations using variable message sign boards and PA systems. Digital outreach via social media is also being used to engage citizens. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
