In a significant push for urban sanitation, Punjab's Health Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, unveiled a sweeping cleanliness initiative aimed at transforming Patiala. The campaign, named 'Sada Patiala, Asi Savariye', will be implemented across all 60 municipal wards of the historic city.
Minister Joins Grassroots Effort, Announces Strict Measures
The announcement was made on Sunday as the minister participated in a local cleanliness drive organized by the 'Mera Patiala Main Hee Sawaara' (MPMHS) volunteers in the Tripuri area. Dr Balbir Singh stated that strict action, including fines and challans, would be taken against anyone found littering in public spaces. He commended the MPMHS warriors for their micro-level drives coordinated with local municipal councillors and urged all councillors to take full ownership of their respective wards.
Addressing residents, the minister appealed for a stronger civic sense to achieve the goal of a spotless Patiala. He assured that there is no dearth of resources for the city's development and cleanliness, promising that citizens will see rapid progress in the near future.
Focus on Sustainability and Future Green Projects
Moving beyond just cleaning, Dr Balbir Singh emphasized the critical need for sustainable waste management. He stressed reducing waste generation at source and ensuring segregation of garbage at the household level. This step is vital for sending waste directly to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for processing.
The minister cited the positive example of the Round Glass Foundation NGO, which is set to adopt two wards in Patiala after its successful work in several villages. He promised the municipal corporation's full support for such public-private partnerships.
Development Plans for a Greener Patiala
Sharing a vision for the city's ecological future, Dr Balbir Singh outlined key projects:
- Extension of the existing environment park on Nabha Road all the way to Nabha.
- Development of a new park on a 7.5-acre plot of land at Falauli.
- Enhancing the capacity and condition of the Wadi Nadi.
These initiatives, coupled with the rigorous cleanliness drive, mark a concerted effort by the state government to elevate Patiala's standards of public health and environmental stewardship.
