Ranking good, ground reality not so good!
Varanasi has climbed up the cleanliness scale occupying the 32nd position in ‘Swachch Survekshan-2017.’ That’s good news.
But a reality check on Friday brought to fore some not-so-good facts about the cleanliness quotient of the city. Used bottles strewn across a lane leading to Munshi Ghat, garbage scattered around a dustbin at a spot in Lanka area and overflowing sewage in Benia Bagh area presented a picture of contrast.
Similarly, various other stretches were found littered with used polythene bags. Many commuters seemed least bothered about cleanliness at ghats and spewed paan and gutkha around dustbins.
A mound of garbage was seen around the big dustbin placed by Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) near BHU. Reason: Locals, instead of using the bin, dump the waste around the bin.
Manoj Yadav, a local, said, “Varanasi’s sanitation has improved. But garbage at various locations is really disappointing.”
He, however, blamed locals for the dismal scene. Many residents dump garbage on the road, instead of using the dustbins, he added.
He added that cleanliness in certain pockets was not as good as the city’s ranking. These areas include Bajardeeha, Patiya, Rewari Talab, Lallapura and Madanpura area.
VNN chief health officer Dr AK Dubey said, “Cleanliness has improved across the city due to our efforts. It will improve further in days to come. I appeal to locals to cooperate with us in making Varanasi the cleanest city in the country.”
He said if waste is dumped at any location, sanitation workers would be instructed to remove it immediately and pay special attention to the lanes leading to ghats and roads along BHU.