SHIMLA- Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority(HPSLSA) has launched a special awareness and sensitization campaign for various stakeholders to protect the environment for healthy living in the state. Tonnes of garbage and trash was collected during the campaign.
But it was proverbial tip of ice-burg as municipal bodies and residents remain lethargic and indifferent to the trashyards flourishing around them, reveal the campaigners.
The campaign was launched under the guidance of Hon'ble Sh. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, who is also Executive Chairperson of the authority.
There is garbage, filth , trash and junk everywhere- under the bridge in river and khads, on the roadsides, in the hills and in the nallhs even in towns and cities in Himachal Pradesh.
Even the municipal vehicles dump the trash under the cover of darkness under the bridge, on the road sides.
Story is the same in Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala, Kullu, Manali, Chamba, Solan, Nahan, Paonta Sahib, Nalagarh, Chopal, Rohru, Jubbal, Kotkhai, Hamirpur, Una, Keylong and Recongpeo, Bilaspur, name any town and there is garbage here and there.
There are people who say that the offenders need exemplary punishment under the Law.
The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 mandates Legal Services Institutions to take necessary actions to protect the environment and ensure citizens' commitment to their fundamental duties as outlined in the Constitution of India, said HPSLSA member secretary, Prem Pal Ranta.
Clean air, water, and soil are crucial for human health and the growth of plants. Maintaining a clean environment helps prevent diseases and preserves our ecosystem.
Recently, it has been observed that littering is prevalent in certain municipalities, local bodies, and Nagar Panchayats. People dropping rubbish in public places has also been noticed, said Ranta.
The Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities are organizing this special campaign in coordination with municipalities, local bodies, and Nagar Panchayats in their respective districts.
The campaign was launched successfully, and hotspots were identified where garbage and litter were removed. A total of 167 kg of garbage and litter was collected in a day, and the campaign will continue for two weeks, said Ranta.
An appeal is made to all citizens, stakeholders, and the general public to refrain from throwing garbage and rubbish indiscriminately, Ranta said.
They need to cooperate with Legal Services Institutions in maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment from the harmful effects of pollution, he added.
The key features of this campaign include:
- Creating awareness among sanitary workers, civic bodies, government departments, stakeholders, and the general public about the importance of a clean and safe environment and the rights of citizens to have one.
- Identifying problem areas in coordination with civic bodies and government departments.
- Conducting campaigns to remove litter and garbage from the identified problem areas.
- Supervising and monitoring the activities of the campaign.
- Taking regular action against those who violate cleanliness regulations.
- Protecting the cleaned areas by installing fences or other suitable means, and developing them for plantation, flower gardens, parks, etc. in coordination with relevant departments.
- Measuring the quantity of garbage and litter removed.
