Mechanised cleaning the new mantra

All of us have, at some time or the other, seen a man or a woman cleaning a street with a long handled broom.

But are we aware that the 40% air borne flying dust cloud impacts the health of the sweeper as well as the passers-by?

Also, dirt which is stuck on surfaces needs mechanical action to be dislodged and this is where our safai karmachari needs a machine.

We all know that cleaning is complete removal of unwanted substances (dust and dirt) without damaging or destroying the surface.

There are numerous surfaces that are cleaned manually every day but the effect is not visible despite rigorous efforts.

The whole idea of killing dust and completely removing dirt is defeated since the collection is not 100% and only partial removal takes place.

Man needs a machine to clean and a machine can only be operated by man.

The state urban development department is geared to bring about systemic changes in our age old approach and the means to achieve a clean state.

While the world takes to mechanised cleaning, we have mostly stuck to retaining manual workers under the argument of cheap labour. We have already seen how expensive the outcome has been.

Today technology and mechanisation offer a double edged weapon to achieve the impossible. Adopting mechanised tools does not imply unemployment for the individual.

On the other hand, mechanisation leads to upgradation of skills, dignity of labour and equally importantly, manifold increase in the outcome.

The transition from the manual process to a mechanised approach is achieved by in-house training and development.

A swanky cleaning academy is needed to churn out scientifically empowered cleaning professionals. Creating jobs in the domain of cleanliness will be the new big thing.

Simultaneously, all of the above will be best achieved by alleviating the perception among the populace about cleaning.

The Swachh Bharat campaign has no doubt brought about massive awareness about the importance of cleaning. This momentum needs to be taken to the next level where cleaning becomes a way of life.

The path breaking approach of the government in handing out the processes of planning, training and operations to various stake holders will certainly bring about a radical change.

With over two decades of expertise in the cleaning industry, I can humbly state that UP is poised to have not just smart cities but smart clean visibility as well.