If a small city like Surat can achieve unprecedented success in
cleaning up the city, so can Mumbai through senior citizens who can
give the lead - that was the reasoning behind the programme.
1. Dignity Foundation (DF) has appointed from its subscriber
database a total of 663 Dignitarians corresponding to 221
Zones of BMC spread over 23 Wards ( now 24). It has
appointed 23 Chief Dignitarians who lead and monitor the
activities in each of the 23 Ward areas. (as of 2002 only 20 out
of 23 ward groups are active.)
2. The Chief Dignitarian in each Ward is responsible for
mobilising, coordinating and reporting action initiated. He also
initiates discussion for new ideas, improvement programmes,
grievances, and solution by consensus.
3. The Chief Dignitarian also liaises with the local Ward Officers
and undertakes supervisory roles wherever required - staff
attendance, spot guidance to staff.
4. DF coordinates Reports from all 23 Wards, and submits to
BMC:
a.) Remedial and rectification action plan and implementation -
results of group discussions that the Chief Dignitarian has in
his/her Ward. Handling of garbage in assorted bags
(degradable and non-degradable) and instructing residents to
act accordingly, ensuring everyday clearance of accumulated
garbage, responsible disposal of debris from building /road
construction, measures for controlling the choking of drainage
holes, and other cleansing work will be the first priority.
b.) Suggestions for new/beautification ideas, and funding
proposals using local initiative - planting of trees, introduction
of potted plants, creation of localised manure through
conversion of available garbage and other related activities.
c.) Problem areas that require official intervention, and those
that cannot be handled by residents alone.
