TOI: Reward plan for a cleaner city - 21 Nov. 2007 | Solid Waste

Mumbai: Close on the heels of BMC’s Clean Up Mumbai campaign, the Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association (MSWA) has decided to spread awareness about cleanliness among citizens and also reward them for their efforts to keep the city litter-free.
   According to members of the MSWA, generating awareness about cleanliness, health and hygiene is the need of the hour for the city. “The Clean Up Mumbai marshals are indeed doing their job well, but there are others as well who are aware of their responsibilities and contribute to the drive in every way. This is an effort to inculcate the habit of maintaining sanitation among residents,’’ said Vijay Samant, vice-president, MSWA. “We thought it would be an incentive if we awarded residents in recognition of their effort to keep the city clean and green.’’
   The awards will be given out in six categories. Cooperative housing societies, housing colonies, advanced locality managements (ALMs), NGOs working for environment, government colonies, educational institutions and shopping malls will be judged. The city has also been divided into three zones—eastern suburbs, western suburbs and the city zone.
   “Each area will be judged on factors like stretches of greenery, waste management system and maintenance of playgrounds,’’ said Suresh Prabhu, president, MSWA. “There are roughly around 30,000 housing societies and they comprise an important part of the city.’’
   For environment activist Seema Redkar, this move is pertinent to the city. “The earth gives us a lot. We should also try to return something it and deem it our own responsibility to keep the city green.’’
   Socieities and eligible associations that wish to participate in the event must register at the MSWA office before December 7.