HAJIN: While many residents make sure to keep their homes clean, the responsibility of maintaining public spaces often falls on a few dedicated individuals. Meet Abdul Salam, the Sanitary Supervisor at Municipal Committee (MC) Hajin, who works tirelessly to ensure the town remains neat and hygienic.
Each day, before the town wakes up, Abdul Salam and his team of sweepers are already on duty. They meticulously clean the streets, roads, and drains, making sure every corner of Hajin is free from waste. Despite challenges posed by irresponsible garbage dumping, Abdul Salam remains committed to his mission.
“We clean the streets daily, but people still throw garbage on the roads. It makes our job harder, but we cannot give up,” he shared while supervising a cleanup operation. His team not only removes waste but also sanitises the area to prevent foul odours and health hazards.
For Abdul Salam, cleaning is not just a job but a duty. “I believe in a clean town. This is my responsibility, and I am paid by the government for it. But for me, it is not just work—it is worship,” he said with determination.
However, he raised a serious concern: despite the availability of dustbins at homes and door-to-door waste collection services, many residents still throw garbage on streets, in markets, and even into the Jhelum River, polluting water bodies. “It is our duty to clean, and we will continue doing it. But people must cooperate by disposing of waste in designated areas,” he urged.
Abdul Salam humbly credits his team of sweepers for their hard work, acknowledging that they are the true force behind the town’s cleanliness. “I am just directing them and staying with them throughout the day, ensuring they clean the roads properly. The real appreciation goes to them,” he said. He also praised the Executive Officer and Secretary of MC Hajin for their constant cooperation, which helps maintain smooth coordination.