|
|
|
Stinking City (October 23) If any survey that covers Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, known as "The land of jewels" or the "Switzerland of the East" is conducted, our capital city could top the list of the world's filthiest places. Only one has to see the garbage and refuge dumps piling up all over the major thoroughfares of the city to convince oneself that our record of environmental awareness is a big zero. The Government authorities, the business community and people coming here should be equally held guilty. There are a number of environmental groups in the State, but this fact had made little difference with regard to the worsening condition of the city. Garbage and waste materials are, thrown by each and every one without caring two boots about the environment of the city. That is not all. No one will have a second thought before, easing or defecating in public places or, at the darker gullies of the city. The scene along the Nagamapal, where women vendors are selling, vegetable and dry fish etc. is very pathetic. A team of reporters of this daily found that even people came in the early mornings to the city from far off places to dump their garbage in the city. Given the present state of the City, one may question the role of Imphal Municipal Council in maintaining the city. What is worrying is the fact that despite the constitution of a Task Force by the President's Rule administration to cleanse and beautify the city, the stinking city continues to stink. The Governor may kindly clarify what has happened to the task force. But it should be reminded that the Governor and the Imphal Municipal Council alone cannot alone to beautify and maintain a clean environment. The business community, the city dwellers and the people should join hands. But the Government cannot escape from the responsibility of initiating the "Operation Imphal City." As things stand today no one seems to think that Imphal is his or her own city. As a matter of fact, the attitude of the people is that they are coming to picnic in Imphal city. Hence throw the garbage here and there. This attitude needs to be changed. Now with the election round the corner various political parties old and new alike have started talking about, welfare programs and development of Manipur. But past records show that not a single politician or Minister is concerned with the deteriorating condition of the city. One wonders if the Ministers or for that matter the Government is unable to maintain a clean environment how they are going to administer the entire state. Should the business community of the city join hands with the Government authorities like the Imphal Municipal Council, it is hoped that, they could contribute a lot in improving things in the city. Heavy penalty should be imposed on persons, who throw garbage and waste materials around. Before doing this garbage dumps should be placed at suitable places and it should be cleared by the authority concerned on daily basis. ( Courtesy: The Sangai Expres) FrontPage Manipur Profiles Features Potpourri Opinions Editorials Books Photos Links Archives Contact Policy/Disclaimer |
