Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 01:
Under the theme, "A Safe City is a Just City", the World Habitat Day was observed today at GM Hall under the aegis of the Town Planning Department, Government of Manipur.
The observance was graced by chairman of Planning and Development Authority Dr Kh Loken and chairperson of the Imphal Municipal Council A Jiwanlata as chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kh Loken noted that the responsibility of keeping Imphal city clean and neat should not be imposed on the authority concerned and the State Government but it should be shared by all.
Observing that the cooperation and support of the citizens is crucial, Loken appealed to the people to share the responsibility collectively.
He construed that the evolution of newer and fatal diseases every year which have been claiming numerous lives is due to the unhygienic surrounding and the polluted atmosphere.
Disposal of waste materials and garbage in public materials is a major factor contributing to pollution leading to growth of fatal diseases.
Contrary to the natural beauty of Imphal city in addition to the pristine atmosphere, the capital city has been dirtied by waste materials and garbage strewn all over the street, Loken remarked adding that most of the drains and the rivers passing through Imphal city have been blocked up by solid waste disposed at will by unscrupulous citizens.
Despite the filthy conditions of the Imphal city, nobody bothers to clean up or correct themselves.
As such, it is essential to change the outlook of the people first towards a clean and pollution city, he noted.
Jiwanlata said that under the objective to make Imphal a clean city, necessary actions have been taken up to collect household garbage at proper places and to pick up garbage from every household.
She also appealed to the denizens of Imphal to help in the initiative of the Imphal Municipal Council.
The observance culminated with distribution of prizes to winners of spot painting competition organised in connection with the World Habitat Day.