Cleanliness comes first

The Punjab government’s decision to launch the Khadim-e-Punjab Saaf Dehat Programme is a commendable initiative taken to set up a proper system for ensuring cleanliness in villages of the province. The chief minister of Punjab believes that through the programme, the provincial government will maintain a clean and dirt-free atmosphere in rural areas. This will also save people from diseases that are spread because of lack of cleanliness. He also thinks there should be a comprehensive mechanism for the disposal of solid waste.
To ensure transparency, the chief minister has suggested a compulsory third-party audit. The progress of the programme will be monitored by a provincial steering committee and the districts showing exemplary performance will be duly encouraged and appreciated. If through efficient and effective implementation of such programmes cities as well as villages in the province have a clean and pollution-free environment ensuring good physical and mental health of the people, what else can residents wish for?
M Z Rifat
Lahore