MEERUT: Chaos marked the much publicized Swachhta Rally led by UP's urban development minister Suresh Kumar Khanna here on Monday, on the occasion of World Toilet Day The day witnessed a virtual shut down on the route that the rally passed through. All roadside eateries and stalls were ordered closed by the administration. The worst-affected were schoolchildren who walked up to Gymkhana Maidan , where the rally was to culminate, and wait for almost four hours before the VIP guest showed up. All this time, all that the children had was a bottle of water each while no arrangements were made to provide them any refreshments.By the time minister Khanna reached the Gymkhana Maidan and began his speech, crowds had already thinned out.Earlier, Khanna led the Swachhta rally in the city. It commenced from Circuit House. He administered a pledge to the gathering to work towards attaining cleanliness and hygiene.In all, 27 schools participated in the event apart from seven madrassas. Priests and religious heads of various faiths were also felicitated during the function.The minister said, "If we change, world changes with us. If we become better, world become better around us. I appeal to everyone to ensure the city remains clean and let this habit become a part of daily life."Earlier, sanitation workers assembled at the Circuit House to stage a protest with brooms in hands. They demanded a hike in pay. Arun Machal, general secretary, Anusoochit Morcha Meerut, said, "City's population has crossed 20 lakh while sanitation workers are just above 2,000 in number. There is too much of burden and stress. We also demand increase in workforce." While residents said Swachhta Mission was need of the hour, they were unhappy as the way the authorities managed the rally.Upset over the loss of the day's earnings, hundreds of eating joint owners and hawkers on the rally's route fumed at the Nagar Nigam for closing down their establishments."What kind of Swachhta Rally is this which is snatching away the livelihood of daily earners," said Dharam Chand who has an eatery stall in front of the court premises.Students and teachers too suffered. Teachers said schools were instructed to be at the Gymkhana Maidan by 11 a.m. Therefore, children began their walk up to the venue even earlier. The waiting schoolchildren were hungry and tired by the time the minister arrived.

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