Sir,

Swachh Survekshan-2020, the annual survey will start from Jan. 4 but look at the scenario facing Mysuru city at present:

* Roads are dug up soon after they are patchily tarred.

* Renovation of houses are taken up on a war-footing and construction materials, old and new are dumped on roadsides.

* The so-called well-to-do and educated citizens are unaware that their household garbage is thrown on this dump.

* Pavements are encroached to park vehicles, small gardens are extended drive-ins, ramps are raised on pavements, rings of concrete are raised around the wayside trees (example, Paramahamsa Road) and upraised paved tiles, are all deadly hazards for daily walkers like us.

* Added to this misery of pedestrians, the recently laid underground cables have raised metal/concrete boxes placed by the side of roads at regular intervals.

* Our sincere request to MCC and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) representatives is, to walk down the roads of Mysuru city, instead of driving up and note down these shortcomings, rectify them, pull up those responsible and then contest for the award.

The reason I am writing this appeal is, we are just back after participating in Bhavasangama Bhakta Samagama’19, organised by Ramakrishna Mutt, Mangaldevi Mangaluru. Their Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan, taken up on a war-footing, has just completed 5 years and the work begun by the Swamijis and the dedicated 1000 volunteers, who were determined to make Mangaluru greener and cleaner, is an eye-opener not only to the nation but also universally. [One may log in to their website: www.mangaloremath.] Tremendous response from the local community made this possible.

So, Arise, awake and stop not till Mysuru gets Cleanest City Award! Let’s start 2020 with a renewed resolution, that, it’s we, the privileged citizens of Mysuru, have the right to live in this safe, clean, green, heritage city and it’s in our hands to keep it that way.

– Indira Ganapathy, Yadavagiri, 31.12.2019

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