Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Oct 30: There are some politicians, who are seen craving for power. Once they get seats of public importance, they seem to get possessed by spirits which seem to create in them an insatiable urge to make money by hook or crook, forgetting the fact that people chose them in the first place for working for public welfare, not their own! Socially relevant thinking is absent from their minds. At a time when Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has been trying to realize the dream of 'Swachh Bharat', many in political field are acting as if there are here to rot both public places and political fields.

In the recent past, a daily had pointed out to the munciipal president here that Ambedkar Bhavan has been surrounded by stinking garbage at a time when the entire country is trying to get involved with cleaning act. The municipal president seems to be under the impression that it is not her concern to do something, although she moves around the same area. Many members of the public are questioning about the kind of commitment the municipal president has towards keeping Ambedkar Bhavan, which comes under the jurisdiction of the municipality, clean, even after being sounded about the despicable surroundings of this building. Many have expressed the opinion that the lady, who got benefit of reservation, should at least have some regard for Dr B R Ambedkar, in whose name the building stands.

The issue relating to garbage surrounding Ambedkar Bhavan came up for discussion at the Dalit Grievances Redressal meeting held recently at the taluk panchayat hall here. Several dalit leaders at the meeting had questioned the municipal president for overlooking the filth in the area, even though she passes through the same path day in and day out, and even after she was sounded about the problem. When she responded by saying that the municipality does not have anything to do with Ambedkar Bhavan, members took her to task, reminding her that her stand does not reflect reality. Thereafter, the municipal president mellowed down, and assured to get the area cleaned.

It has been nearly two weeks since the above meeting was held and commitment was given. Nothing has been done to either remove the garbage or clean the surroundings of Ambedkar Bhavan. The situation has worsened with passage of time. Some journalists, who recently visited the area saw for themselves that the area stinks, and things which should never be disposed off openly in public places having been dumped there. This shows utter apathy on the part of officials and elected representatives. Liquor bottles, condoms, used plates with left over food, were some of the items found strewn there. Above all, silence of a municipal president, whose attention was drawn at this alarming situation more than once, towards rotten surroundings of this spot is inexcusable, feel the locals.

Ambedkar Bhavan is looked after by the government, and it is the responsibility of the department concerned and people's representatives with concern for dalits to keep it tidy. Since the last some months, the entire spot has been giving out a nauseating stench, but no one has been caring, said Suresh Kallagara, Centre of Indian Trade Unions convener from the town. He urged the department concerned and the local administration to take steps immediately to clear the area of filth.

Democratic Youth Federation of India taluk secretary, Rajesh Voderahobli, expressed the opinion that the current situation in which Ambedkar Bhavan is in mirrors the total negligence of the municipal president. 'The fact that people throw garbage into this compound at night, and the area is being used for immoral activities, shows the town in poor light. I call upon the municipal president to stop issuing irresponsible statements and evince interest in keeping the town clean,' he added.

A local advocate, Ramadas Naik, pointed out that Ambedkar, who had played a decisive role in creating Indian Constitution, is respected by everyone including dalits. He felt that pile of garbage found under a plaque which bears names of dignitaries who had attended the Bhavan's inaugural, in effect, brings disrepute to this eminent leader. Therefore, the concerned should act fast to keep the area clean and presentable, he urged.