(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With the winter season setting in, bringing much awaited pleasant weather, Sharjah residents are stepping out in increasing numbers for picnics and outings at beaches, parks, the desert and in green areas.
Simultaneously, the Sharjah Municipality has intensified inspections to prevent littering and environmental damage by picknickers.
A municipality official said the body has deployed a number of inspection teams to work round the clock in areas such as Al Buhairah Corniche, Mamzar, and Al Khan beaches to prevent littering of beaches and fishing in unauthorised spots.
The inspectors have been deployed in all green areas that are popular picnic spots, to catch those flouting municipality rules and regulations. Erring individuals will be slapped with hefty fines that can go up to Dh1,000; legal action will be taken if required.
The teams also monitor those who play sports, or ride bicycles in the green areas of Sharjah, especially in Al Buhaira corniche and Al Ittihad Parks and around the central souq.
Since the beginning of the winter season, a number of people have been fined Dh500 for causing damage to green areas. "The inspectors also seized all the sporting equipment used in the green areas," the official said.
55 instruction signboards have also been installed in parks and grassy areas, stating that smoking shisha and barbecuing are not allowed in the areas.
The municipality is keen to preseve the environment, the city's beautiful image and maximise opportunities for the public to enjoy nature and the winter season in well preserved surroundings.
The official body will also continue its awareness campaign to educate the public about the negative effects of littering waste ash, charcoal, cans, tissues and other trash in green areas and beaches, affecting the environment and public health.
The official called upon the public to cooperate with the municipality and help curb prohibited practices by abiding by the rules and regulations. "Violating the public hygiene regulations based on the local order No. 1 of 1989, would damage green areas and cause adverse impacts on the hygienic conditions in the city," he stated.
Residents can report such illegal practices to the authorities by dialling 993.
Afkar Abdullah
MENAFN0512201700490000ID1096192453
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