SHILLONG: The state government’s initiative in declaring Police Bazaar a litter-free zone under Operation Zero Litter is showing desired results.
A visit to Police Bazar on a weekend evening revealed cleaner streets thanks to the sweepers of the Shillong Municipal Board. Shopkeepers were seen cleaning their respective areas and hawkers seemed to have realised the importance of keeping their surroundings clean.
Operation Zero Litter began on February 15 and will continue for a month.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Shillong Municipal Board CEO BS Sohliya said awareness is being carried out in the area and some pedestrians and shopkeep-ers have been penalised for littering. “Supervisors and Home Guard personnel are monitoring the situation there,” he said, adding, “Changes are visible now.”
Hawkers have also been instructed to clean their respective areas before closing down their shops. “Everyone can be a part of the campaign,” said the municipal board CEO.
It may be mentioned that any person found littering or disposing of waste in open spaces, roads, roadsides or drains will be penalised under the SWM Rules, 2016, and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.