| Laudable, but......
The Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has kicked off
a two day campaign which is aimed at reducing the pollution level of the city, now considered as one of the dirtiest cities in the country. While the
campaign being taken up by the Imphal Municipal
Council is laudable considering the worsening condition of the capital city, one cannot
help but wonder whether this is a political stunt.
In the past the city had witnessed a number of cleanliness drives apart from the yearly social service on the Gandhi Jayanti Day. But things remain the same because after such campaigns no one gave
a damn about the general well-being of the city or its environs. It is still fresh in minds of the public that a task force had been constituted by the then President's rule administration
for beautification of the city. We are wondering what has happened to the Task force. Does the term of the body end with the revocation of
President's rule?
We could not move ahead on any front because there are no such things as continuity in Manipur. A project or program initiated by the government will come to an abrupt end with the change of the Government. The decision taken by the President's rule Government to close down the sick public sector units is being reviewed by the Ibobi Government. This is only one example of frequent change of policies by the administration. This has not only hampered the progress of work, but also wasted money down the drain.
The responsibility of keeping the city
neat and clean should be shouldered by the Imphal Municipal Council and
the Government should stand solidly behind the council. The chief minister has rightly pointed out that those running business houses, residents and those coming to the city have equal roles to play. He advised them not to throw dirt and refuge here and there. But does the Government provide any place where these can be disposed off in
a hygienic manner?
Laws should be enforced and those responsible for polluting the city should be given punishment as per the law. As long as Authority is turning a Nelson's eye things will never improve. During the two day campaign Imphal may look nicer but everyone knows the shape of thing to come after.
Meanwhile a great confusion about the ban on use of plastic. For one, not all are aware that use of this harmful object has been outlawed.
There is still doubt about the Government's seriousness of enforcing the ban in the real sense of the term. For effective implementation the traders and consumers should be told in clear terms that violation of the ban order will attract legal provisions till the campaign ends. Why only two
days? This should be a continuing process and responsibilities should be fixed on the Municipal staff members.
The efforts by non-government organizations should also be encouraged and recognized. Until and unless the authority cracks the whip we can not hope of improving our city.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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