“We are seeing people not only talking about cleaning but actually doing it. Even the kids are so aware of it. In fact, 200 kids from our housekeeping batch went out recently and cleaned two government offices.”
– Sudhir Chalamcherry
Providing clean drinking water
Water happens to be the major carrier of infection, especially during rains. Provision of water stations with clean drinking water for the staff becomes mandatory for organizations.
At Metro Mall, says Sudhir, “We have an RO plant that caters to our requirement.” At D.Y. Patil, adds Pallavi, “Every floor has a water filter counter and is under an AMC. The technicians frequently check the pH level of the water. From the teaching faculty to the staff to the kids, everyone drinks the same water.”
Keeping the rain soaked mud at bay
Due to soil and mud erosion, all silt is carried into the campus from the road and the garden. “We do weeding, de-soiling and before rains starts we start new plantation. Our garden area is lined with bricks and is separated from the main office where there is a lot of movement. Thus, not much mud is brought to the concrete. We have placed mud mats near the two main entrances and this minimizes 70-80% of the mud from getting inside.”
For flies that are usually rampant during rains, Pallavi tells us, “We do constant mopping with citronella based chemicals and also keep fly granules in the garbage and entrance points. This prohibits the flies inside the campus.”
Metro Mall follows a rigorous pest control program with extra add-ins for the season. “During monsoon, our pest control contractors take a survey of the place and treatments for flies and insects are administered.”
Washroom hygiene
Hygiene needs to be observed precisely as infection is in the air. In this season, washrooms with their slushy and wet floors can prove to be hazardous.
“In each floor, we have separate washrooms for ladies and gents. They are constantly manned round the clock.
Thanks to our efforts, so far there has never been an infection breakout,” says Pallavi.
Sudhir shares the comprehensive approach at the Metro Mall. “In addition to all these proactive steps, we deploy additional staff to make sure the parking and common areas are well lit and there is no skidding while parking. Additional umbrellas are provided and anti-drip plastic bags are provided for the visitors to carry the umbrellas inside. The entrance areas are carpeted and we keep dry by mopping the places regularly and avoiding the possibility of slipping.”
The Swacch Bharat impact
Though cleaning is a year round activity that is part of the operations of these establishments, has Swacch Bharat ramped up the efforts and added to the significance of hygiene and cleaning?
“We are seeing people not only talking about cleaning but actually doing it. Even the kids are so aware of it. In fact, 200 kids from our housekeeping batch went out recently and cleaned two government offices.”
“Swacch Bharat is instilling responsibility in individuals and inspiring them to keep public places like malls clean,” says Sudhir.
Preparing for rains may be different in different segments but the common factor in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at all places, is water.
