SRINAGAR: Swachhta Pakhwada is a significant initiative in our country aimed at promoting cleanliness and sanitation. It is being celebrated over a period of 15 days, typically in September every year. It is part of the larger Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Ministry of Education, GoI. The objectives of the event is to encourage citizens to participate in cleanliness drives, Increase awareness about sanitation and hygiene, foster community participation in cleanliness activities and to Promote sustainable waste management and sanitation practices.
Regional Centre carried out the series of activities that include:
1. Cleanliness drive was carried out in the premises of Regional Centre Srinagar by the Officer of the centre, staff members and the large number of students who were present in the regional centre. Workshop was held in the regional centre where the expert Mir Imtiyaz-KPS, Sub Division Police Officer Khanyar, Srinagar gave the keynote lecture on the best practices in sustainability to be adopted and also discussed the awareness about sanitation and hygiene.
2. In another activity expert Dr. Khalid Muzamil Gani, faculty from NIT Srinagar gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation regarding the best practices to be adopted in Sustainability. The lecture was attended by the Regional Director MANUU Dr. Ajaz Ahmad, Dr. Mir Zaffar Iqbal from CRC Bemina, officers, staff members of the RC and students.
3. The celebrations concluded with the debate competition which was organized with the collaboration of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Rainawari, Srinagar. Good number of students participated in the debate and presented their topic on the theme Sustainability Development. Three best students were awarded with the first, second and third prizes. The Regional Director in his address appreciated the students who deliberated on the theme. Principal of the school thanked IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar for organizing the event.
Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi in his presidential address stressed upon the importance of celebrating the Swachhta Pakhwada and how to manage the Waste Management, how to promote the segregation of waste into recyclables, compostable, and non-recyclables. He also stressed upon the enhanced waste collection and disposal services to be provided during the fortnight to ensure that waste is managed effectively.
In the last a swachhta plege was also taken place at Regional Centre Srinagar where Regional Director, officials, staff members and the students also participated.
Overall, Swachhta Pakhwada serves as a reminder and an opportunity to reinforce the importance of cleanliness and sanitation in everyday life, while also fostering a sense of community responsibility and involvement. The drive has made a significant stride in promoting cleanliness and sanitation. The campaign successfully engaged various stakeholders and led to tangible improvements in public hygiene.

KR Desk