Resident Associations agree to clean streets

After facing the BMC's ultimatum to take up the responsibility of cleaning the streets if the cars remained parked during the sweeping time, many residents association have now agreed to take up the task, reports Naresh Kamath.

After facing the BMC's ultimatum to take up the responsibility of cleaning the streets if the cars remained parked during the sweeping time, many residents association have now agreed to take up the task.

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All the associations were unanimous that they were committed to a clean city but were critical of the way the whole matter was being handled.

The BMC had started fining Rs 500 those car owners whose cars were obstructing the cleaning of the streets.

"We have already employed sweepers and all members of the societies are contributing to this campaign," said Chandresh Shah. "However just announcing fines without taking anyone into confidence sends wrong message," said Shah. Shah gave examples of the various measures like curtailing the feeding of pigeons and the refurbishment of Marine lines which the residents had wholeheartedly supported the civic body.

Even the Malabar Hill Road Residents association has agreed to keep its raods clean.

Many groups like the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) along with some residents association had protested the move calling it illogical and dictatorial. They had even threatened to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the move. However the BMC remained adamant on its stance saying there would be compromise on cleanliness. It however agreed to waive the fines if the residents took up the responsibility of cleaning the streets.

The BMC has welcomed the move and called it a good step towards a clean city. "We are happy of the decision of the associations and we ensure full cooperation," said RR Markhande, Deputy Mubnicipal Commissioner.