Imran Shah
Kishtwar: DD, Er. Anil Kumar Shan has expressed deep concern over the alarming levels of garbage, polythene waste, and unattended debris littering our streets, parking areas, and pilgrimage routes.
He said that the cleanliness situation is not good at the sacred Vaishno Devi Shrine area at Katra and other adjoining religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir.
While political leaders, school students, NGOs, and other groups often conduct one-day “cleanliness drives” to claim credit and post selfies and reels, the reality remains grim.
These short-term activities do little to tackle the growing threat of unhygienic conditions, which pose serious health hazards to devotees, local residents, and even domestic animals.
Many places continue to be choked with unattended waste and debris, creating an environment ripe for diseases. This is nothing less than an emergency and a threat to the integrity and image of our nation.
It is high time the genuine demands of Municipal Council sweepers and sanitation workers are fulfilled.
These hardworking individuals selflessly work for the nation’s health and cleanliness despite receiving minimum wages. I stand firmly with them and urge everyone—citizens, leaders, and institutions—to come together in support of our sanitation workers.
Let us unite for their welfare and dignity, and ensure our holy sites, towns, and villages remain clean and disease-free—not just for a photo opportunity, but as a permanent responsibility for a healthy, proud, and prosperous nation.DD