Madurai: The Madurai Corporation undertook the responsibility of cleaning the Vaigai river in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) and collected as much as 40 tonnes of garbage from the river.

The Corporation had organised a cleaning drive between the Kamarajar Bridge near Bethaniyapuram and Kuruvikkaran Salai.

S Visakan, corporation commissioner had also taken part in the drive and had distributed green and blue coloured dustbins along with pamphlets to those who live along the river.

This in order to reiterate that garbage must not be dumped on the river bank and instead use the bins to help the local body in keeping the city clean. To curtail the accumulation of garbage and to prevent people from setting fire to waste, the civic body has launched a campaign.

The Commissioner stated that residents must dispose of garbage only when conservancy workers arrive in battery-operated vehicles to pick up segregated waste.

As many as 977 workers and officials including 800 conservatory workers, 25 sanitary inspectors, 20 health inspectors, three sanitary officers and 45 social workers were involved in the cleaning drive. The workers were supported by 16 tractors and eight earthmovers and 20 battery operated vehicles.

Areas that are vulnerable for garbage accumulation have been identified in and around the region. The commissioner has assured that cleaning drives will be conducted in such areas.

Notices have been sent to 51 houses and commercial establishments that have been found dumping sewage water into the river.