8k temporary workers to join Eid cleanliness work

Around 176,000 sanitary workers and 8,000 temporary staffers will participate in the Eidul Azha cleanliness operation across Punjab.

Chairing a video-link meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a Rs50,000 fine on residents caught dumping sacrificial animal waste and remains in streets and neighbourhoods.

A vigilance squad has been constituted to prevent and monitor the dumping of the waste at prohibited places, while an awareness campaign has been ordered in this regard.

The participants were informed that authorities would designate 3,800 primary collection centres, 3,100 dumping sites and 7,000 dumping points for the disposal of animal remains.

The CM directed relevant officials to ensure special cleaning and monitoring of drains, canals and public places in every city, besides maintaining cleanliness in private housing societies.

She also ordered cleanliness arrangements in railway colonies and cantonment areas, along with special cleaning operations in 2,687 major markets across Punjab.

"On Eidul Azha, all departments will have to work as one government unit for cleanliness arrangements," she said, adding that outstanding performance would be rewarded, while negligence and complaints would invite accountability.

Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique and Secretary Mian Shakeel Ahmed said the markets, main roads and roundabouts would be cleaned during the final hours of Chand Raat.

Citizens will be provided biodegradable shopping bags for disposal of animal waste, while Suthra Punjab Programme teams will carry out door-to-door collection.

Additional loader rickshaws will also be deployed with municipal corporations, tehsils and union councils.

Rose water will be sprayed at mosques and Eid prayer venues, Suthra Punjab teams will remain active before the Eid and until the third day.

At least 4,500 camps will be established across the province for the Eid cleanliness operation, while special sanitation arrangements will be made at 1,200 designated collective sacrifice points.

Suthra Punjab teams will also be deployed at 285 cattle markets and 171 sale points.