In a significant push to enhance public hygiene and civic aesthetics, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) launched a focused five-day special cleanliness campaign. The drive, which ran from December 12 to December 16, took decisive action to eliminate notorious 'yellow spots' across the city's busy interior areas.
Identifying and Addressing the Problem
Municipal officials conducted a thorough survey and identified a total of 110 specific locations that had been habitually misused for open urination. These spots, often marked by stains and foul odours, were targeted under the special campaign. The corporation's cleaning teams and concerned officials were deployed to take timely corrective measures at all identified sites.
However, the action was not limited to just cleaning. To ensure a long-term solution, the VMC initiated beautification work at these very locations. The objective of this beautification is twofold: to improve the visual appeal of the spots and to physically and psychologically deter people from dirtying them again.
A Collaborative Community Effort
The campaign emphasized public participation and awareness. Alongside the VMC's own sanitation workers and cleanliness officers, local citizens also joined the appeal, urging everyone to stop the practice of open urination. Recognizing the need for sustained behavioral change, the municipal corporation took a proactive step by enlisting the help of external experts.
The VMC assigned responsibility to three IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) institutions. Their mandate is to conduct continuous awareness campaigns in the community. These campaigns also focus on informing the public about the enforcement of rules, including the imposition of fines and warnings for violations.
The Vision for a Cleaner Kashi
The overarching goal of the VMC is clear: to ensure that Varanasi, a city of immense historical and religious importance, remains clean, beautiful, and healthy. The municipal corporation has made a heartfelt appeal to all citizens, requesting their full cooperation in this mission. They urge the public to help maintain cleanliness in shared spaces and actively assist in preventing open urination and littering.
This targeted drive against 'yellow spots' represents a crucial step in transforming urban hygiene standards in one of India's oldest and most revered cities. The combination of direct action, infrastructure beautification, and community engagement aims to create a lasting impact on public health and civic pride in Varanasi.
