Garbage drive in Imphal city and surrounding areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 21 2011: In view of the choked drainage system of Imphal city and surrounding areas which often leads to inundation of roads and streets when there is a drizzle even for a few hours, Zero Garbage Campaign taken up by the Imphal Municipal Council in its 27 wards would now encompass drainage systems.

For clearing drainage systems, the IMC would sanction Rs 3 lakhs for each ward.

Notably, the Zero Garbage Campaign was launched by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on August 12 last year with the aim of creating awareness among the people to keep Imphal city neat and clean.

Under this campaign, awareness programmes have been held thrice in each of the ward carrying the message that keeping Imphal city neat and clean should start with the citizens themselves.

The campaign also roped in interested clubs by providing them Rs 5000 each.

Speaking to media persons in the IMC conference hall today, PDA Chairman Dr Kh Loken said that the IMC, PDA, MAHUD and IFCD alone cannot keep Imphal city clean.

Only when people keep their surroundings clean, Imphal can become a clean city.

The press meet was also attended by MLA L Nanda-kumar, IMC Chairperson M Ranisana, MAHUD Director N Geetkumar as well as IMC Councillors.

Ranisana said that despite all the positive results achieved by Zero Garbage Campaign, the same campaign was suspended for some period.

Nevertheless, the campaign would be resumed very soon.

She also sought people's support in the drainage system clearance work which would be taken up under the Zero Garbage Campaign.

The general practice of disposing household wastes on road side drains is one major factor for choking drains and stagnancy of water current leading to breeding of germs, Dr Loken pointed out.

Another factor leading to choking of drains is acquisition of land by those residing near roads.

Dr Loken said that acquisition of lands adjacent to drains has become a big problem.

Appealing to the people to stop disposing wastes on drains and acquisition of lands adjacent to drains, Loken informed that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 102 crores for dredging and clearing major canals like Kongba Khong, Waisel Maril, Takhel Khong, and Lamphel Samushang Khong where the drainage systems of Imphal city fall.

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