mid-day Opinion: Garib Nagar clean-up after demolition must be quick

Representation pic

Given the mammoth scale of the clearing of Garib Nagar to the east of Bandra station, we have already highlighted why encroachment and illegalities like these are allowed in the first place, so that we need a days-long operation with a huge police presence as the area is being cleared out.

The city is also tense when such eviction drives are carried out as there is always a danger of things spiralling out of control. This is a tinderbox situation, and one spark can set off a blaze.

Having said that, we cannot emphasise enough that the clearing must be complete in all aspects. While demolition is ongoing, authorities must ensure that post the drive, the debris is cleared up and the freed space is available for the work that is planned. We see illegal infra/works demolished by authorities, but debris sometimes as high as a hill, lying there for months with the buck being passed as to who is responsible for cleaning it. Then, the whole point of clearing up is lost, as the space is occupied by the debris.

In this case, specifically, we have to remember that the rains are just days away. The debris, if not cleared pronto, will become a dangerous, festering mess and a cesspool of disease.

Civic authorities warn against stagnant water because of mosquitoes and water will definitely collect in the rubble. Then, there is also the danger of slipping on the debris. Rats will also overrun the area if this rubbish is allowed to lie there, and this will turn into a huge breeding ground for disease.

Finish the job by clearing completely followed by cleaning.