Let us make a conscious effort for a cleaner Mumbai

Civic workers clean Girgaon Chowpatty in May. File pic

Poor performance in open defecation-free status and zero marks in garbage-free status are major factors in Mumbai getting a 37th rank among 48 cities in the Swachh Survekshan Awards of 2021 in the cities with a population over 10 lakh category.

Swachh Survekshan is an annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation in cities and towns across India, launched as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan which aims to make India clean and free of open defecation. Mumbai did receive a prize in the solid waste management category, as the results of the survey conducted by the Central government's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was announced recently.

Let us, as citizens, make an honest and earnest effort to see that Mumbai moves up the ladder among clean cities. We have to, as individuals, manage our open garbage better. Less throwing rubbish on roads or littering with wet or dry waste at public infra like beaches, bus stands, open spaces and train stations will all contribute to the garbage-free status that we must aim for. We cannot leave this to the authorities but participate ourselves, become stakeholders in this survey, to see that Mumbai achieves this status. For that every individual must make a concerted and conscious effort to keep surroundings scrupulously clean.

We must continue good work in solid waste management and not lapse into complacency. The open defecation aspect has to be addressed with a more robust community toilet scheme and much more access to sanitation facilities for all. In the past too, this space has highlighted the importance of maintaining toilet blocks or even opening blocks that have remained shut for trivial reasons. This is for our local leaders. With the BMC elections slated for February next year, now is an opportune time to amp up cleanliness efforts and see Mumbai improve its ranking.