The holy city of Madinah is beloved to all believers. Utmost care is given to preserve the city with all its historic features. Unfortunately, sufficient attention is not being paid to keep the city clean. Its negative consequences are being borne by both citizens and expatriates alike. Various departments and agencies have to share the blame.

Garbage is piling up everywhere, particularly near the entrances of residential complexes, hotels, shops and factories. It is quite evident that no steps are being taken to remove them on a regular and systematic manner.

The air in the city is filled with dust and soot. A major contributor to this pollution, undoubtedly, is the large number of stone crushers operating in the city and its suburbs.

The polluted air and dust are causing an increase in the incidence of diseases such as asthma.

Immediate measures have to be taken to keep the city clean. I recommend the following steps:

l A regional council for environmental health comprising representatives of various agencies should be formed to handle all issues pertaining to environmental health. The council should work under the Provincial Council.

l Deterrent punishments, including fines, should be imposed on those who violate environmental health regulations.

l Stone crushers, which is the main culprit, should be relocated in remote areas.

l An awareness campaign should be launched to enlighten the public on the significance of maintaining environmental cleanliness. The campaign should focus on the risks posed by environmental pollution.

l Government agencies should ensure that public and private establishments strictly abide by the regulations governing environmental health.

l The agencies concerned should ensure that garbage collection boxes are kept in front of every residential building, instead of the old practice of keeping one box for a number of buildings. The practice has caused garbage boxes to overflow and spill the filth all over the place.

l Prizes and awards should be offered to encourage residents to keep their neighborhoods clean.