Clean India possible only through clean states: Tripura CM
Agartala, June 22
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday asserted that environmental protection cannot be ensured unless waste is disposed of scientifically, warning that garbage or waste cannot be dumped indiscriminately and that violators may face fines or legal action under existing laws.
The Chief Minister said building a clean India is possible only when every state remains clean and urged all sections of society to work collectively towards creating a beautiful, healthy, and clean Tripura.
Saha made these remarks while addressing a one-day statewide workshop on waste management held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala.
Speaking at the event, he said the Constitution and the law guarantee the right to life, which also includes the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the voice of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and emphasis had been given to scientific management of a clean environment and safe sanitation.
He stressed that every person has a constitutional duty in this regard, pointing out that garbage dumped everywhere, drains choked, and environmental pollution pose a dangerous threat to public health. He added that public support was essential for success and urged cooperation from all sections of society.
The Chief Minister underlined that families, institutions, and citizens should be involved in proper waste management practices, turning it into a public movement. He said municipal representatives must also raise awareness in their respective areas.
Saha reiterated that environmental protection requires responsible waste disposal and warned that District Magistrates would monitor the matter. He said they had the authority under the law to impose fines or take legal action, including disconnecting electricity and water connections of violators.
He reminded municipal representatives that they serve as a crucial bridge between the government and the people and, therefore, carry significant responsibility in promoting cleanliness and proper waste management.
The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. He emphasised that it was possible to build a clean India only if every state was clean, adding that Tripura was working towards clean cities and municipalities.
He stressed that the prescribed user charge for garbage collection from homes was mandatory and noted that many people were reluctant to pay it. He also mentioned the state government's app 'Amar Sarkar', which had been appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke, Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid A, Urban Development Department Special Secretary and Director Tamal Majumdar, along with other public representatives and senior officials of the Municipal Corporation, were present at the workshop.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see Indian leaders prioritizing environmental health. I remember visiting Agartala a few years ago and the cleanliness was decent, but there's always room for improvement. The user charge for garbage collection makes sense - in many developed countries, citizens pay for waste services. However, I hope the fines aren't too punitive for poorer communities who might struggle with proper disposal. Education and awareness should go hand in hand with enforcement.
Hats off to CM Saha for linking Swachh Bharat with state-level action. But let's be real - imposing fines is not enough unless there's proper infrastructure for waste collection and recycling. Many neighborhoods don't have regular garbage pickup. Also, disconnecting electricity and water for violators sounds harsh. Why not first provide proper bins and collection services? Public movement needs practical support, not just threats. 😕
Great to see Tripura taking cleanliness seriously. I'm from Karnataka and our cities still struggle with garbage mountains. The point about municipal representatives being a bridge between govt and people is spot on - they need to actually go door-to-door and educate, not just sit in offices. Hope this workshop leads to real action, not just another meeting with photos for social media. Cleanliness starts from each home! 🏡✨
Interesting approach - linking constitutional duty and right to life with waste management. In many western countries, recycling and composting are mandatory with clear guidelines. I applaud the effort to create a public movement, but am curious how the user charge will be implemented in rural areas or low-income colonies. Would love to see more details on the 'Amar Sarkar' app - digital solutions for civic issues are promising!
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