Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Tuesday intensified sanitation drive in various areas of the summer capital.
The drive stated from Batamaloo area with special focus to remove filth from roads.
“It has been our long pending demand that source of dust must be removed from roads. The dust used to enter into our residential houses and also in shops,” said Abdur Rehman, a local shopkeeper at Batamaloo.
Commuters, especially two wheeler riders expressed satisfaction over the move. “The dust disturbs two wheelers most. It makes our clothes dirty while the dust particles distracts us from driving. We are happy removal of it from roads is taking place,” said Abid Ahmad, a commuter.
Under the supervision of SMC chief sanitation officer Sufi Muhammad Akbar, an extensive dust free drive was conducted from Batamaloo upto TRC. More than 150 sanitary workers of corporation were engaged for the drive. Various machines were also pressed in to service for cleaning up the dirty roads. Besides cleaning and washing up of footpaths, unwanted grass was trimmed.
The sanitation drive was also carried at Lal Bazaar, Hawal, Harisingh High Street, Goni Khan, Mahraja Bazaar, Naaz Crossing.
The authorities also conducted anti-encroachment drive to remove street vendors from several areas. Goods kept on footpaths by some shopkeepers were also seized.
During the drive, several goods were also seized from the street vendors who had occupied footpaths and roadsides. The goods kept by shopkeepers at footpaths were also seized.
During the drive, banners displayed or installed unauthorizedly were also removed from few places.
SMC media incharge Masrat Yusuf said that authorities intensified sanitation and anti-encroachment cum awareness drive on the directions of SMC commissioner Riyaz Ahmad Wani.
Commissioner SMC said that these drives would continue. “There is need of behavioral change. We have always sought public cooperation for making the Srinagar city most beautiful,” he said.