Hyderabad: The GHMC put a halt to the age-old tradition of celebrating birthdays with cutting the cake at midnight at Tank Bund. The GHMC cited concerns over littering and cleanliness, but the milling crowds at midnight also caused a traffic issue.
Tank Bund, alongside Hussainsagar, has long been a popular spot for residents to gather with friends and family for evening picnics and late-night birthday celebrations. This was more so after the recent refurbishment of the most famous avenue in the city.
However, this cherished tradition has often left the place littered with cake crumbs, confetti, gift wrap, and other debris. To address this issue, GHMC has taken a stern stance by implementing several measures, claiming back a vital piece of infrastructure but also disappointing revelers.
GHMC has also put up sign boards that read 'Do Not Litter' to remind visitors of their responsibility to maintain cleanliness. Violators will face penalties as a deterrent to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
At least eight boards with instructions about the ban, penalty for violations under the Swach Bharat campaign, have been put up around hundred metres apart along the PVNR Marg. Over 300 CCTV cameras are to help keep vigil around the area.
While some applauded the decision, others said controlling littering was enough. Some others wondered if similar rules must be imposed at other places that see such cake cutting celebrations, including the Khajaguda Lake and the Cable Bridge. The GHMC, however, has not said anything on applying the same ban on other areas.
However, not everyone is pleased with the ban, as it marks the end of an era for those who cherished the tradition of celebrating special moments by the lake. Some feel that there could have been alternative solutions to maintain cleanliness, such as increasing the number of trash bins or appointing more staff to clean the area regularly.
Vox pop:
For a lot of people who cannot afford grand celebrations, it was a beautiful and meaningful way to start another year. People shouldn’t be penalised for the government's inefficiency to maintain it - Abhishek Thalari, IT employee
It's a public place and not a private space to demand that celebrations be held there. If they do, people must be mindful of cleaning up or being mindful of the surroundings - Esther Spandana T, operations associate
I love coming to Tank Bund for the beautiful views, but it was disheartening to see it filled with cake and waste after these celebrations. The GHMC's decision is a positive move to preserve this place for future generations - Ravinder Kumar, morning walker along Tank Bund
Why can't the government ban just littering and levy fines for it, instead of prohibiting the entire activity of celebrations? - Vamsi Duggi, social activist
During celebrations, people barely tend to be mature enough to celebrate without littering. We must accept the reality and take action against such mindless littering - B. Surya Chandra, IT employee
