Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Launches Two-Week Cleanliness Drive After Public Criticism
RAWALPINDI: Following criticism from residents over poor sanitation in various wards, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) on Tuesday launched a two-week cleanliness campaign, which will continue until November 5.
Residents have been demanding clean streets and roads in cantonment areas for several months, alleging that the board’s attention has largely remained focused on main roads. They complained that despite collecting taxes and fees, the RCB had failed to provide even basic sanitation services in several localities.
Under the campaign, special measures are being taken across all 10 wards of Rawalpindi Cantonment to improve sanitation, clean drains, remove garbage and raise public awareness about cleanliness.
An awareness walk was also organised at the Cantonment Board office, attended by Additional Cantonment Executive Officer Tayyaba Naseer. The campaign aims to educate citizens about keeping their homes, streets, markets and public spaces clean and to encourage public cooperation in maintaining a healthy environment.
Awareness messages are being disseminated through social media, pamphlets, banners and digital screens along Mall Road, Saddar. Educational institutions, traders and various organisations are also being engaged in the campaign.
During the first phase, sanitation operations are being carried out on October 20 and 21 in several localities of Ward No. 1, including Habib Colony, Rahim Town, Allahabad, Zahid Baig Road, Hafizabad and Sultanabad.
The operations include street and drain cleaning, sweeping, garbage collection, and the removal of wild grass and weeds. Trolleys, excavators and other necessary equipment have been provided to the relevant staff to transport collected waste to designated dumping points.
Various departments of the Cantonment Board, including sanitation, gardens, enforcement, building control, water supply, engineering, the Food Control Cell and the Dengue Control Cell, are participating in the campaign.
Special attention is also being given to preventing the illegal dumping of garbage and construction waste, maintaining green spaces, ensuring hygiene standards at food outlets and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites to control dengue.
A complaint cell has also been established at the Cantonment Board office to receive citizens’ complaints regarding sanitation and cleanliness.
