RAJAHMUNDRY:As many as 9,400 sanitation staff are working to clear garbage generated by lakhs of pilgrims visiting the town for taking a holy dip in Godavari river.
The authorities have pressed into service 200 vehicles to lift the garbage and on an average each tractor is lifting 2 tonnes of garbage. In the most publicised Pushkar Ghat itself, 18 tractors are lifting garbage and each vehicle is making three trips. For every 100 m eight sanitation workers are working in the city and clearing the garbage.
“There are 18 ghats in the city limits. In view of the Maha Pushkarams, we have drafted a 24/7 action plan to lift the garbage. We have divided the city into three categories A, B and C. The Pushkar Ghat, Kotilingala Ghat and its extension, Saraswathi Ghat and VIP Ghat are in the A category. Cleaning the river is a big task and every hour the water is being tested and chlorinated. We have also been taking steps not to harm fish in the river,” said health officer Dr Indira.
In order to control fevers and other diseases, the ghats are being cleaned with phenyl and other chemicals. The roads, streets and drainage are being cleaned round-the-clock and a special batch of workers are applying bleaching. “Sanitation workers are doing an excellent job,” Dr Indira added.