Clean and green Shillong-a distant dream
SHILLONG: Garbage strewn indiscriminately has become a general norm in Shillong while in some localities, heaps of garbage are piled up on the roadside which is not only an eyesore and emits foul smell but also poses a threat to the well being of residents.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, P.S. Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills said that besides the efforts taken up by Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), different localities falling under SMB should take keen interest in cleaning their respective localities.
“Residents should take initiative in lending a helping hand to SMB and at the same time, strict warning should be given to violators, while in areas not under the SMB, headman should take the lead.”
While the city known as the “Scotland of the East” has in recent years drifted to the depths of filth and garbage, the initiatives by the Government seem to be a one-time affair; the idea for beautification of Shillong seems to be a distant dream.
The Chief Minister’s programme of a Green Campaign and to appoint Green ambassadors has not reached the pragmatic line to keep Shillong green and clean.
A clean and green Shillong is the need of the hour considering the depleting forests cover in the state and the rising number of cars that adds to the pollution problems, a senior resident said.
The cleaning drives have become a one-time endeavour by the localities, which if practiced regularly will yield fruitful results, he added.
