Arnala youth move on from civic apathy

At a time when the Mumbai police is said to be overwhelmed by work and shortage of staff, residents of the small village of Arnala, who also happen to be policemen, have shown the way. These men have successfully launched a movement to reclaim green cover that was lost in dirt and debris and promote a clean, mosquito-free environment, thereby changing the face of this sleepy village.

Around eight miles from suburban Vasai, Arnala houses nearly 2,500 to 3,000 residents who are dependent on the gram panchayat to address their civic issues. However, due to lethargy of higher state officials and inability of local civic officials, the serene village blessed with a seashore soon turned into a dumping ground and consequently, breeding ground for mosquitoes. Unable to witness the degradation of their birthplace, the young brigade formed a team and started working in unison rather than running from pillar to post seeking civic assistance.

Ninad Patil, a Mumbai police employee who spearheaded the movement, said that they were proud of the fact that about 40 policemen stayed in the village that formed the core of the movement. Interestingly, apart from policemen, renowned architects, engineers, rig workers and custom officials also pitched in, working round the clock to transform the village. “We only asked the gram panchayat for a tractor and started cleaning the dumping spots. Bins were provided to villagers and we ensured that the garbage was thrown one kilometre away in the designated dumping ground. The areas reclaimed will now be developed as free-of-cost libraries for which we are contributing ourselves,” said Mr Patil. After clearing the garbage, the team is now also spreading mosquito repellent fumes around the village.

Interestingly, none of the work has been carried out under motivation by any political figure. Neither has it received major assistance from civic officials. “The gram panchayat’s resources were limited and higher officials took little interest in providing basic amenities,” said Mr Patil.