Ujjain : The holy city is known for its exuberant celebrations of festivals and similar grandeur marked the Deepawali. During these festivals, city streets and markets wear a festive look. However, the day after the celebrations, the scene across the city is of strewn flowers, garlands, cracker remains, rotting fruits and tell-tale signs of celebrations. There is almost a two-fold increase in the quantum of garbage generated in the city during these festivals.
To ensure that cleanliness in the city is maintained, especially during and after festivals, Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC) Commissioner Avinash Lavania had directed officials to monitor garbage clearance on these days. In a circular issued on before Deepwali, the Commissioner directed the zonal additional/ joint commissioners and chief engineers to monitor the generation of waste and its clearing, but no heed was paid to the order, as the garbage litters the city.
They have been directed to be available in their respective offices and monitor the situation so as to not inconvenience the citizens.
A senior UMC official, on the condition of anonymity, told Free Press that while the officials can only monitor the situation, the onus lay on the garbage contractor to clear the excess waste. The garbage contract expressly states that the contractor will be responsible to clear the excess waste generated during festivals by whichever means. He will have taken into account such contingencies while participating in the tender, the official stated.
