MC contest winners need a brush-up

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7

Even as the Market Welfare Association in Sector 33 and Ward No. 16 (Sectors 33 and 20) were yesterday declared the best in their respective categories in the Swachh competition conducted by the Municipal Corporation, there is a need for improvement at these places.

During a visit to the Sector 33 market, TNS found a pack of stray dogs roaming there. Besides, vehicles were parked haphazardly. Even a non-designated open ground area was being used for parking vehicles. Newly renovated toilets were not properly maintained and the attendant was nowhere in sight.

There were many dustbins in the market. However, disposable plates were seen strewn on the adjoining road. A snack vendor was not keeping a dustbin around and customers were seen throwing plates in the open.

Considering the situation in the number one market of the city, one could easily gauge the condition in other markets.

“On its part, the MC has failed to challan litterbugs even as violations are rampant,” said a shopkeeper.

While Sectors 20 and 33 of Ward No. 16 were found by and large clean, there were places in Sector 20 where garbage was found dumped in the open. There was a pile of waste near the Government College of Education, Sector 20. Even the open ground near the mosque in the sector was littered. Some function was organised there earlier.

“We want Sehaj Safai Kendra here because for want of it, the waste management is not apt here. People throw waste here and there. Secondly, not all safai workers turn up for their duties. However, our sector is still the number one,” said Resident Welfare Association president Dr OP Verma.

Local councillor and Senior Deputy Mayor Rajesh Gupta said, “I pay regular visit to the ward and address even small problems of the area. That is why my ward and the market in my ward have been declared number one. There is no Sehaj Safai Kendra as people do not want it to be set up near their residences. All other issues pertaining to the markets will be given a seriously consideration.”

Meanwhile, sanitary conditions were better at the Sector 45 hospital and Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18, the other winners of the competition.