Jalpaiguri, Oct. 13 -- With Durga Puja approaching, Jalpaiguri Municipality administrator Mihir Karmakar has taken to the streets to tackle the town's mounting garbage problem and ensure cleaner surroundings during the festive season. Karmakar, an executive officer appointed on the directions of the Calcutta High Court, inspected different wards alongside sanitation workers on Monday and Tuesday morning.
The move comes amid growing public inconvenience caused by accumulated garbage and foul smells across several parts of the town. Sanitation workers had suspended cleaning operations amid protests over alleged non-payment of wages, leaving residents struggling with unhygienic conditions.
The municipality has also been facing administrative uncertainty for the past few months following the resignation of chairman Saikat Chatterjee. Residents have alleged that inadequate supervision during this period contributed to delays in garbage clearance.
After taking charge as administrator, Karmakar visited different wards to assess the situation.
He interacted with sanitation workers and spoke to residents at their homes to understand their concerns. During the inspection, he also reprimanded sanitation workers over the accumulation of garbage and stressed the need to restore cleanliness ahead of the festive season.
"Our aim is to keep the town clean and healthy during Puja," Karmakar said. He also appealed to residents to pay their sanitation service charges regularly, pointing out that many households fail to clear their dues on time.
He urged them to pay the nominal fee promptly to help ensure the smooth continuation of cleaning services.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.