Clearing up after work is done is just as important

Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on a routine inspection of road works in the city, emphasised that while completion of projects is important, so is removing debris after work is carried out.

The deputy chief minister interacted with people while on a round, trying to understand problems, and the dialogue shed light on how pedestrians and motorists are struggling to negotiate pavements and roads, respectively.

Shinde's statement about debris is a telling one, and we must welcome it - though we need to stress that action must follow words.

Debris must be cleared within a timeline, too, after any kind of public infrastructure work is executed. We have witnessed debris lying around after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation demolishes structures.

This poses a huge obstacle and hindrance to people. Citizens can trip over debris, it is slippery and extremely mucky during rains, making stretches of road etc even more perilous than they usually are.

Heaps of debris can also become breeding grounds for rats and insects. Some of this waste actually becomes an open toilet, and the mounds of debris reek when passing by. This, too, is an invitation to disease.

Citizens are concerned as to when the debris is going to be cleared, with nobody having a clue as to when clean-up day will come.

So it is with any work and debris is not restricted to sand and mud.

We also have signage that may be lying around, tape that will be strewn on the ground, sometimes some implements that have been used in the work will be tossed away in a corner... debris can also include this, which is a hindrance on our pavements at least, which are already compromised by encroachment. Clearing debris must be regarded as a step that is as important as finishing work on a dedicated timeline.