'CLEANLINESS EVERYWHERE'

The  top five cleanest countries in the world are, 1. Iceland 2. Sweden 3. Switzerland 4. Norway 5. Mauritius. Out of 180 countries India at 177, Bangladesh, Burundi, DR of Congo and Nepal are at the bottom five of the list. Why we Indians are lagging behind in cleanliness? We have not included cleanliness in the school syllabus must be the right answer.

India gives priority for tourism and a good number tourists from all over the world are coming here. We welcome them with "Atithi Devo Bhava". We give them what best we have. Is it enough? We must ask ourselves.

Among the Indian states Kerala is on top in health and education but holds the last spot in cleanliness. Who are responsible for the unclean state of affairs? First, the home, followed by the school, the religious establishments, the social organisations and finally the government. The successive governments that ruled the state gave least priority for cleanliness. The government should provide adequate provisions in the budget for the cleanliness of the state. Accusing one another is not the remedy but become the model for others is the only remedy. If we give any priority for tourism, cleanliness of the entire state must be top in the list. Every water flow, every sewage lines, every market and every public place should be kept clean; clean in it's true sense.

A practical and effective method for keeping the state of Kerala clean is: About 7,000 MT of waste is generated in the state every day. Around 60% of these waste, if properly treated, become combustible. These can be used for electricity generation. This is an economically viable option. The state governments and the central government may look into these.

KV George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com