Dumka: Heaps of uncollected garbage across several localities have triggered resentment among residents, who alleged that the civic administration’s cleanliness drive was largely restricted to routes used by VIPs during Independence Day events on Saturday.Ahead of governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar’s visit, roads connecting the airport, Lok Bhavan and Police Lines ground were cleaned and decorated. Bushes were cleared, statues of national leaders spruced up and key locations illuminated. However, residents said waste continued to pile up in several neighbourhoods.“The main roads look beautiful, but the situation changes once one enters the residential areas. Garbage heaps were visible even during a national celebration,” resident Swapan Mandal said.Another resident, Umesh Kumar Lala, questioned why the administration could not undertake similar drives regularly. “If roads can be cleaned and decorated within hours for a VIP visit, why can’t the same effort be made for other citizens?” he said.The contrast was also visible on Aug 14, when a drone show lit up the sky over the outdoor stadium even as garbage remained accumulated at several places in the city.“Independence Day is not just about flags, lights and celebrations. Citizens also deserve a clean and healthy environment,” homemaker Punam Kumari said.Gangwar hoisted the national flag at the official Independence Day function at Police Lines ground.MLA Basant Soren has spoken about securing Dumka’s due status as Jharkhand’s sub-capital, while Dumka Nagar Parishad chairperson Abhishek Chourasia had promised to bring the city’s cleanliness standards on a par with Indore.Residents demanded regular waste collection across all localities, saying cleanliness should not be confined to VIP corridors. Chourasia and vice-chairperson Manoj Kumar Singh could not be reached for comments on the issue.
