Kolkata: Twice-a-day sweeping and cleaning work will be conducted on roads, market places and densely populated areas in municipal bodies across the state from the third week of July, state urban development & municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul announced on Wednesday during the launch of the ‘Swachh Kavach’ programme.Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari unveiled the pilot distribution of protective kits — branded ‘Swachh Kavach’ — to frontline conservancy workers. Each kit contains essential rainwear and protective gear, including a raincoat, jacket, gloves, gumboots and a cap. The state govt will deliver these kits to every Nirmal Bandhu and sanitation worker over the next two months and register all sanitation workers for free quarterly health check-ups.“Segregated waste will also be collected from hotels, restaurants and other food business establishments twice a day,” the minister said, adding that the conservancy workers will also be brought under the govt’s health scheme.Paul reiterated that from Sept 1, a fine of Rs 200 will be imposed against public littering, spitting, public defecation and use of single-use plastic. Addressing the gathering, the CM linked the current push to national-level momentum inspired by the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and stressed the need to balance urban development with environment-friendly policies.
