Srinagar, Apr 16: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has started nocturnal sanitation at Lal Chowk and adjoining Residency Road so that the City center wakes up to see the streets neat and clean.
 Though the drive, a first of its kind endeavor, has been started on trial basis as a low-key affair, sources said, it could become a regular feature if results remain positive.
 “Basically it’s not only about sanitation, various other aspects have been taken into consideration like availability of power, proper working of streetlights and traffic,” said a sanitation officer.
 He said for now the problem which the Safai Walas were facing was the movement of tippers which drive allegedly recklessly in the night hours.
 “Otherwise the drive is reaping benefits,” the official said.
 Sources said the SMC Commissioner Dr GN Qasba, who introduced this idea, personally inspected the City centre at around midnight in the past few days to see how things were going on.
 When contacted the SMC Commissioner said the results have been fruitful. “Basically we aim to see what time could be most feasible for sanitation in the night hours…Besides  security of my staff also needs to be taken into consideration,” Dr Qasba told Greater Kashmir.
 For the safety of the Safai Walas in the night hours, he said the sanitation staff was likely to be given florescent jackets so that they remain visible brightly.
 Meanwhile, the SMC Commissioner toured Shaher-e-Khaas to take stock of sanitation in the old City.
 “He visited various areas including Hazratbal, Lal Bazaar, Auqaf market, Dastageer Sahib(RA), Bulbul Shah Sahib(RA) shrines and the various adjoining areas,” an official handout said.
 “While inspecting Hazratbal and Lal Bazaar areas he directed the concerned SMC officials to install dumper bins in the areas. He further directed the officials to accelerate the sanitation drives in these areas so that the City is made garbage free by the early mornings,” it added.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST