Whom to blame? Is it the administration or the citizens of Vadodara who have named Vishwamitri ‘river’ as ‘Gutter Ganga’ who are equally responsible to pollute the river which passes through the Sanskarnagari of Vadodara?
This is question to ponder upon but, seems like the administration has taken the matter in their hands, finally! The cameras installed on the bridges will likely be operated by the vigilant staff to monitor the littering in the river.
A step has been towards addressing environmental issues and promoting cleanliness by implementing stringent measures to tackle the problem of river pollution and improper waste disposal. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has initiated a comprehensive campaign to crack down on individuals who litter and dump garbage, particularly in the Vishwamitri river, a vital water body that has been facing significant pollution challenges.
The VMC’s latest move involves employing advanced surveillance technology to monitor and identify individuals who engage in littering and polluting practices. The city’s Badamadi Baug City Control Centre has been equipped with a 24-hour CCTV surveillance system, which is strategically positioned at various junctions throughout Vadodara. This innovative approach allows authorities to closely monitor public spaces, streets, and areas adjacent to the Vishwamitri river, where improper waste disposal has been a persistent concern.
One of the primary targets of this initiative is to address the issue of spitting on roads and discarding waste into the Vishwamitri river from moving vehicles. The surveillance cameras are equipped to capture vehicle number plates, enabling authorities to track down and penalize those responsible for these actions. By leveraging the data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), the VMC can identify the owners of vehicles associated with littering and impose fines accordingly.
Recent instances have highlighted the effectiveness of this approach. The VMC was able to identify and issue fines to 17 individuals caught spitting in public spaces based on evidence collected from the surveillance cameras. These fines serve as a deterrent against such behavior and contribute to the overall efforts to maintain cleaner and healthier public spaces.
The chairman of the standing committee at Vadodara Municipal Corporation emphasized that this campaign is part of a larger cleanliness initiative that has been ongoing for several years. Administrative Ward Officers have been actively engaged in enforcing the initiative, ensuring that individuals who violate waste disposal regulations face penalties. Additionally, citizens have been educated and informed about the importance of responsible waste disposal practices, including not spitting in public areas and refraining from littering on roads.
The VMC’s campaign extends beyond punitive measures. It seeks to instill a culture of responsible waste management by encouraging residents to utilize door-to-door waste collection services. These services aim to provide a convenient and efficient means of disposing of household waste in a manner that minimizes environmental impact. By actively involving residents in the process of waste disposal, the VMC aims to reduce the instances of littering and improper waste disposal in public spaces.
Moreover, the campaign addresses a specific concern related to individuals throwing garbage bags into the Vishwamitri river from bridges. This reckless behavior not only contributes to river pollution but also poses a risk to the ecosystem. To counter this, the VMC plans to utilize the surveillance system to identify and fine individuals engaged in such activities based on their vehicle’s number plate, thus holding them accountable for their actions.
Despite these concerted efforts by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, challenges remain. While education and enforcement play crucial roles in promoting responsible waste management, changing ingrained habits and behaviors requires a sustained and collective effort from citizens, authorities, and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, Vadodara’s proactive approach to addressing river pollution and improper waste disposal through advanced surveillance technology showcases the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. By leveraging modern tools and strategies, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation aims to foster a cleaner and more hygienic urban environment while encouraging citizens to take an active role in preserving the city’s natural resources.
