Chandigarh, Oct. 17 -- Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi on Thursday directed the urban local bodies and irrigation departments to undertake immediate removal of solid waste from drains and riverbanks.

Rastogi who reviewed preparations to ensure a clean Yamuna during Chhath Puja celebrations said that inter-departmental efforts have been intensified, focusing on upgraded infrastructure, stringent pollution control and a sustained drive for ecological balance. He said that for the next 15 days, a coordinated enforcement drive will be carried out by the police, municipal corporations, public health engineering department, and development and panchayats to prevent the illegal disposal of sewage or tanker waste into the river. The publi...