Lack of civic responsibility

Garbage has become a big problem in all the big and small cities of Pakistan There is garbage everywhere except in organised housing like Bahria Town and the Defence Housing Authority. Wah Ordnance Factory is the best example of all. If the civic authorities of these places can keep these areas clean then why cannot others follow suit? Yes, it is a fact that the general public has no sense of civic responsibility but it must be made to realize that cleanliness is next to godliness — even our religion teaches us that. When the public does not cooperate, a stricter way of dealing with it needs to be adopted.
Bhara Kahu is considered a good area to live in and many people have moved out there for peace and quiet and supposedly fresher air, therefore it was shocking to see the huge heap of garbage which is the first thing you notice after you pass the crowded bazaar, get on the Simly Dam Road and cross the bridge. No beautiful, houses or landscaped green areas but a horrible, smelly heap of garbage!
Besides being a health hazard as is, this garbage flows into the Korang River going into Rawal Lake, which supplies water to Rawalpindi. Every time it rains the water carries rubbish and plastic bags down the hill and into the river where it floats to other areas, collecting in different nooks and crannies and polluting the water.
The sad part is that there is a big mosque behind the heap of garbage and no sermons are given as to cleanliness; or mobilising and motivating people to keep the area clean. Also those living in the vicinity of the garbage heap seem to be the least concerned about the filth lying near their homes or the terrible stench that will come from it as soon as the weather gets a little warmer.
While civic authorities must fulfil their obligation to keep the city clean, residents of all areas also need to do their bit and see to it that garbage is properly disposed. The media too needs to give public service messages and emphasise the

importance of a clean and green environment to live in. Political entities too need to get into the act in their areas and not just indulge in false photo shoots showing they are sweeping the roads. It is only by collectively hammering in the importance of cleanliness that we may achieve some sense of civic responsibility. We must act soon, otherwise Pakistan will be known not as ‘the land of the pure’ but by another, unthinkable name! Also, we need to hang our heads in shame knowing that a Turkish firm has been contracted to manage waste. If we cannot even do such a simple thing, then heaven help us!