Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 20: Even after the need to practice hygiene and cleanliness are being emphasized from all conceivable forums since the last some years, the people have not got rid of their habit of throwing waste by the roadside. Statements about environment conservation and cleaning of the neighbourhood seem to be confined to issuing statements. Because, plastic and other waste continue to harm the environment.

When one moves out of the city, he witnesses heaps of waste by the roadside. In some places, garbage is accumulated under the board that warns people not to dispose of waste there. Even though the system of door-to-door collection of waste is being practised in most places, the habit of tossing waste on the roads has not been given up.

On national highways, people come with plastic bags full of waste, throw them on the road and leave. Even though the local panchayats try to clear them, within days, garbage again builds up on the spot. Dogs and crows which try to find out whether there are eatables in these bags make a mess of it , leaving the area stinky and dirty. Leftover food, egg shells, sanitary pads, bones etc are thrown by the roadside. During the rainy season, the waste decomposes, giving jitters of new diseases to the road users.

Many have cultivated the habit of bringing garbage from their home when coming by vehicles and throwing them by the roadside. There are also others who come by cars and other vehicles to throw the garbage. Even though there is penal provision, it is hard to find out the violators and fine them.