Residents plan for ‘Swacch Mylai’ post-Arupathimoovar fest

V Balakrishnan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mylapore, said that over the last few years, they have observed unregulated distribution of food, which was causing various problems. “Unregulated food distribution had created a favourable condition for criminals to snatch chains of senior citizens and littering resulted in an unhygienic situation. This year, we have issued orders that on the four Mada streets, people can do annadanam only within their enclosures. For example, a marriage hall in one of the Mada streets can give a food offering within their premises. Others have been advised to do it outside the Mada streets,” said the Police official. 

An announcement by the police stated, “Those who wish to perform annadhanam may do so in areas outside Mada Streets with proper arrangements for waste collection and disposal.” 

K Viswanathan, Secretary of Mylapore Residents Welfare Association (MRWA) and Organiser of the Kapaleecharam Committee, which works towards litter-free Mada streets, said strict patrolling of the four Mada streets will be done by the residents and police officials. “All the entry points to the four Mada streets will be patrolled. In addition, we are encouraging people who are offering annadanam to opt for reusable steel tumblers and plates, rather than plastic, and have a collection system in place to prevent littering,” he said. 

Ganga Sridhar, a resident of Raja Street, said that awareness will be created by placing banners at all the stalls and announcements requesting people to dispose their waste in the bin. “We have also requested the donors to give out food in small quantities, to prevent wastage. Our volunteers will also be present around these counters, equipped with gloves and ready to pick up the disposable plates thrown on the ground,” she added. 

Viswanathan pointed out that most of the donors have responded positively. “We are in touch with the shopkeepers and others, who usually conduct annadanam. They have responded to our appeals. We will also have an awareness campaign to address the public. An auto will go around the locality announcing this information to the public,” he revealed.

A Corporation official said that after seeing the quantum of food waste last year, they sought the help of police to reduce the problem this time. “An increased number of dustbins have been provided. In addition, we have doubled the number of conservancy workers to help clean up every day for the next three days, as well as engaged volunteers from the locality as well as institutions nearby,” concluded the official.