AT LAST: Labourers cleaning up the banks of the Hussainsagar where a huge pile of waste was deposited, even as the World Environment Day was celebrated in the city on Tuesday. — Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

HYDERABAD: The Buddha Purnima Project Authority launched its special drive to clean up the Hussainsagar shore besides enforcing ban on litter of plastic in all its parks and Necklace Road area to mark World Environment Day here on Tuesday.

In addition to the daily cleaning of lakeshore with two vehicles and 36 workers entrusted to the Municipal Corporation by paying Rs.2.45 lakhs per month, six vehicles and 200 labour were engaged to clear the accumulated garbage in the lake vicinity as part of the week-long special drive. The number of vehicles would be increased to 10 from Wednesday.

BPPA Special Officer Chandra Mohan Reddy said along with special drives, focus was also on awareness campaign as well as enforcement of GO banning littering of plastics and polythene carry bags in the public places, water fronts, parks and recreation areas.

While the ban on carrying and littering of plastics was already in force in NTR Gardens for the last three months, it came into effect in Lumbini and Sanjeevaiah parks and Necklace road area from Tuesday.

"The emphasis initially will be on asking people to deposit plastic bottles and covers at the counter before entering the parks. But in the Necklace Road area if anyone, vendor or visitor, is seen littering, a fine of Rs.100 to Rs.150 will be imposed to begin with. The area will be monitored by BPPA Estate department officers and security personnel," Mr. Reddy said.

As many as 100 saplings were planted near Sanjivaiah park on the day and about 2,500 saplings would be planted in 21 identified open spaces in the Necklace Road area in another two months.

The day also marked a snake show by Rajkumar of Friends of Snakes Society for BPPA staff, workers and NGOs to dispel misconceptions about snakes and keeping pest under control.

Exhibitions, cultural programmes including folk songs, dances and skit were organised by NGOs like National Green Corps, Centre for Environment Education, SAVE etc., at NTR Gardens from June 3 on various environmental themes and there were contests for visitors on the theme with medicinal plants as gifts.

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