Pindi cracks down on Leh dumping

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has constituted a task force, with help from the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) Force, to prevent dumping of construction materials and solid waste into Nullah Leh. The agency has also launched action to remove encroachments, goods-transport parking areas, and building-material depots along both banks of the stormwater drain. WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said the task force would continuously monitor Nullah Leh and take action against those found dumping waste or construction materials into it. Offenders would face arrest and the registration of first information reports (FIRs), while tractor-trolleys used for dumping would be seized. Action would also be taken against the owners of buildings whose construction materials were dumped in the drain. He said a goods transport depot behind Ganj Mandi Police Station had already been removed and that encroachments, material depots and transport stands along the drain would no longer be tolerated. The water body has also decided to plant six-to-seven-foot-tall trees along the banks of Nullah Leh through the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to help reduce environmental pollution. The initiative aims to prevent further obstruction of the drain, whose depth has reportedly been diminishing rapidly because of the continued dumping of construction debris and solid waste despite an existing ban. Cleanliness drive launched The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has launched a cleanliness and public awareness campaign, scheduled to run from October 20 to November 5, covering all 10 wards. An awareness walk was held from the RCB office, led by Additional Cantonment Executive Officer Tayyaba Naseer, Assistant Secretary Imran Habib and Horticulture Officer Atiqa Nadeem. Under the campaign, special sanitation operations are being conducted to clean streets and drains, remove rubbish and raise public awareness about maintaining a clean environment. Residents, students, traders and social organisations have been urged to support the initiative. During the first phase, on October 20 and 21, a cleanliness operation is under way in Ward No 1, covering Habib Colony, Rahim Town, Allahabad, Zahid Baig Road, Hafizabad and Sultanabad. The work includes street sweeping, drain clearance, rubbish collection and the removal of grass and weeds. Trolleys, excavators and other machinery have been deployed to transport collected waste to designated dumping points. The campaign involves the sanitation, horticulture, enforcement, building control, water supply, engineering, food and dengue control branches. Measures are also being taken to prevent the illegal dumping of waste and construction debris, maintain green spaces, enforce hygiene standards at food outlets and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. A complaints cell has been established at the Cantonment Board office to address residents' grievances. Citizens can register sanitation-related complaints by calling 051-9274422. Cantonment Executive Officer Aamir Rashid has directed the relevant departments to ensure the effective continuation of cleanliness measures and called for public cooperation to make Rawalpindi Cantonment cleaner and greener.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/eFc9dtZ