Surat: People had spoiled the beauty of the cable-stayed bridge the day it was inaugurated in the city on October 2. There were taints of paan spits all over the bridge, an indication why the city had slipped to 14th spot from 4th in Swachh Survekshan this year. However, some students and members of non-government organization worked whole day to remove the taints on Sunday and showed that cleanliness was one of the greatest virtues to have.“People do this because there is no fine. Also, CCTV cameras cannot be installed everywhere. I was shocked to see how people had dirtied the bridge. But we can only curse lack of civic sense in people,” said Dhansukh Patel, a resident of Adajan.A group of students belonging to different schools was hurt to see the condition of the cable-stayed bridge on the very first of its inauguration. These students decided they will clean it on Sunday and reached the bridge on their cycles and got down immediately to remove the stains. They were also carrying placards which said, “Were we waiting for the bridge to be ready for eight years to do this? My city is my responsibility and I must keep it clean.”Dr Ashish Naik, deputy commissioner, health, Surat Municipal Corporation, said, “It is collective responsibility of people to keep public facilities clean. When some people don’t understand this, we all have to suffer on count of cleanliness. Youngsters understand the meaning of cleanliness much better than older generation.”At least, 10 lakh people have visited the cable-stayed bridge since its inauguration on Tuesday last.

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