In a step towards turning the city clean and green, Dindigul Corporation on Saturday began a mass cleaning drive.

Recently, Collector Durga Moorthy had stated that the administration would accord top priority to the eco-system, and mass cleaning drives would be conducted regularly. The civic body has started the exercise in a phased manner now.

Corporation Commissioner Prem Anand said the peripheries and entrances to the city limits were identified by the authorities. Apart from engaging conservancy workers, public and NGOs were also welcome to join the initiative.

Trade and industry merchants in the city had been told to cooperate with the Corporation in keeping the city clean. ‘Dumping wastes in unauthorised spots would invite fines,” he said and added that they had planted saplings in 100 locations with the steel mesh covered to protect them from being destroyed by stray animals.

Under the Kurumbapatti panchayat limits, the cleaning drive began on Thadicombu Road and under the Railway Bridge.. The officials also sensitised road side vendors not to drop leftovers in open areas.

In Seelapadi panchayat, the Nandavanapatti by-pass and Old Karur Road were cleaned. As it had been a dumping place, the garbage was removed and saplings planted. The officials urged the residents to use dumper bins and not hurl the wastes on the roads.

In Nagal Nagar and Sandaipettai near library, the officials planted saplings and fenced them with mesh. City Health Officer Muruganandam said the drive would be held at periodic intervals. The hospital wastes should be disposed of as per the standard operating procedure and any violation would be viewed seriously. He appealed to the public to inform the officials about any slackness shown by the users and assured stern action.