Balepuni Gram Panchayat Initiates Strict Anti-Littering Campaign with Heavy Penalties
In a decisive move to maintain cleanliness and eradicate garbage black spots, the Balepuni gram panchayat located in Dakshina Kannada district has rolled out a multi-faceted drive. This initiative aims to transform local roads and public spaces by implementing rigorous measures against littering and improper waste disposal.
Comprehensive Strategy to Tackle Waste Issues
The panchayat's approach includes conducting extensive awareness programs to educate residents about proper waste management. Additionally, officials will actively trace litterers by meticulously examining waste heaps for any identifiable address details. Upon identification, violators will be served notices accompanied by a substantial penalty of Rs 5,000.
Residents who neglect to hand over their waste to designated panchayat staff will also face show-cause notices, emphasizing the community's responsibility in maintaining cleanliness. The drive is spearheaded by GP secretary Ayisha Banu and panchayat development officer (PDO) Venkatesh, who have been conducting spot visits alongside dedicated volunteers.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
Members of the Muloor Swachhata Task Force and Jana Shikshana Trust have joined forces with the panchayat to bolster this campaign. Officials have affirmed that the GP will persist in searching waste dumps to pinpoint offenders, ensuring accountability.
To further strengthen these efforts, Swachhata Task Forces will be established in all villages under the GP's jurisdiction. These teams will undertake proactive measures such as installing warning boards and deploying CCTV cameras in public areas to monitor and deter littering activities.
Awareness and Community Involvement
PDO Venkatesh highlighted that an awareness campaign focused on achieving zero waste will be conducted at residential, ward, and panchayat levels. A significant drive aimed at making villages both disease-free and waste-free is scheduled to launch on February 26, with active participation from various organizations and the local community.
N Sheena Shetty, director of Jana Shikshana Trust, who participated in the drives, emphasized the need for governmental support to combat dumping in public spaces, regulate single-use plastics, and prevent the burning of plastic waste across Dakshina Kannada. "We have urged district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to address this issue seriously and convene a special meeting of officials to enforce laws against such violations," Shetty stated, underscoring the broader environmental concerns.
This initiative represents a robust step towards fostering a cleaner, healthier environment through strict enforcement and community engagement, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
