Mandeep Kaur, DC Pulwama, SSP Awantipora, others participate in ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign in Pampore
Pampore: A mega district-level Swachhata Hi Seva Cleanliness drive was observed with great enthusiasm at Chatlam Wetland in Saffron Town Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday. The event was inaugurated by Commissioner Secretary Rural Development Department (RDD) Mandeep Kaur.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom and SSP Awantipora Ajaz Ahmad Zargar participated in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign along with other officials including
ADC Awantipora Zaffar Husson Shawl, Director Disaster Management Amir Ali, ACD Pulwama, Tehsildar Pampore Zuber Ahmad Bhat, Chief Education Officer Pulwama Abdul Qayoom Nadvi, SDPO Pampore Krishan Rattan, SHO Pampore Jazib Mohammad Bhat, Executive Engineer REW, BDO Pampore Mohammad Ashraf, CMO Pulwama Dr Haseena Mir, BMO Pampore Dr Asima Nazir, District Health Officer Pulwama Dr Javaid Ahmad Butt, DDC Chairman Pulwama Syed Bari Andrabi, BDC Chairman Pampore Mir Altaf Ahmad.
The event saw participation from district officials, employees of all line departments, PRI members, students, as well as local residents, officials told Kashmir Reader.
The programme commenced with a solemn pledge ceremony, reinforcing the values of cleanliness, sobriety, and non-violence. Participants took the Swachhata pledge, pledging to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, the Nasha Mukt pledge, committing to a substance-free lifestyle, and the Non-Violence pledge, affirming a commitment to peace and harmony.
During the event, Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom, SSP Awantipora Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, DDC Chairman Pulwama, BDC Chairman Pampore addressed the participants, highlighting the significance of Swachhata Hi Seva and encouraging everyone to actively contribute to the cause. Various activities, including cleaning the wetland area, waste collection drives, and awareness sessions, were organized to engage the participants and educate them about the impact of cleanliness on the environment and public health.
The presence of local officials, community leaders, and enthusiastic volunteers added to the success of the Swachhata Hi Seva mega Cleanliness drive.
On the occasion, the Secretary of the Rural Development Department (RDD) Mandeep Kaur Mandeep Kaur stressed the importance of fostering a collective sense of responsibility toward cleanliness in our communities.
She said that in the past lack of necessary infrastructure led to improper disposal of waste. “However, now that we have developed the required infrastructure, it is essential for people to utilize it responsibly and take responsibility for its maintenance,” she said, adding that in areas where infrastructure is still lacking, there is no need to invest in large-scale machines or sophisticated waste management systems. Instead, people should focus on constructing soakage pits and ensuring proper drainage outlets, she added.
They should also seek guidance from the experts within the RDD department who are trained in these matters. These experts can provide valuable insights on the correct procedures, Kaur said, adding that the significance of this day, as recognized by the government, should also be understood and appreciated by the general public.
Everyone should give equal importance to this day to ensure that the true value of cleanliness and sanitation is recognized and embraced by all, she said.
The Commissioner Secretary RDD while talking to the media persons said that Jammu and Kashmir is the first UT after Andaman and Nicobar to have made significant strides in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) plus status.
“This achievement is attributed to the collective efforts and hard work of the community, she said, adding, “Till now our focus was on creating a sense of responsibility and awareness so that individuals understand the importance of maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.”
Mandeep said the current program led by the Prime Minister goes beyond symbolism; and its primary aim is to instill this awareness among the people.
“Now we have entered a phase where penalties may be imposed on those who continue to litter, and it is both the public and the administration’s responsibility to enforce this change,” she said.