Kolkata, July 8 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a pilot initiative named 'Swachh Kavach' to provide protective kits to 50,000 sanitation workers across the state.
Speaking at the programme in Alipore, the CM lauded the conservancy workers, describing them as the backbone of the state's cleanliness drive. Giving utmost importance to cleanliness and environmental issues, CM said the state government aims to plant 7 crore saplings. Besides expanding green cover through afforestation, Adhikari laid equal priority on cleanliness and the supply of safe drinking water.
Highlighting the state's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in Mother's Name) campaign, launched on World Environment Day on June 5, Adhikari announced an ambitious afforestation programme under which the West Bengal Government will sow 7 crore trees across the state this year. He also reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has earned global recognition.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating environment, Adhikari stressed that Kolkata has witnessed continuous felling of trees over the past 15 years, while concrete buildings have mushroomed across the city. He held the previous government responsible for damaging the environment.
"Over the past 15 years, Kolkata has witnessed continuous felling of trees, while concrete structures have mushroomed across the city. As a result, the environment has deteriorated significantly.
We must overcome this challenge, and it is for this reason that this initiative has been undertaken. There was no surveillance on plying of vehicles older than 15 years," Adhikari said.
The 'Swachh Kavach' includes high-visibility jackets, gloves and long rubber boots, aimed at improving the safety and working conditions of sanitation workers. Speaking at the programme, state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul outlined the long-term vision of the initiative.
"Sanitation workers lead the fight for cleanliness from the front, but they have no proper protective gear. We will ensure their safety. Many of them handle hazardous wastes," Paul stated.
Under the initiative, a total of 50,000 Nirmal Bandhus across the state will receive a complete Swachh Kavach safety kit in the next two months. Every Nirmal Bandhu will be profiled and brought under a free health screening programme, ensuring a comprehensive health check-up once every three months. A digital health record for the same will be maintained.
Meanwhile, the state government will implement stricter civic discipline through penalties of Rs 200 for littering, use of banned single-use plastics, spitting in public places and public urination from September 1.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.