As part of nationwide sanitation program “Swachhta Hi Sewa” a walkathon campaign was organised here this morning by the district administration to disseminate the message of sanitation and cleanliness.The ‘Walkathon’ was flagged off by Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda, in presence of District Development Commissioner Prasana Ramasamy G and scores of officers and officials of district administration.The rally witnessed huge participation of school children, students, NCC volunteers, representatives of NGOs and local people. It started from DC complex and passed through Thapa Chowk, bus stand, main market, Zanana Park, Nai Basti and culminated at conference hall where a function was organized by Municipal committee Reasi.The main aim of this programme was to motivate and encourage the people to clean their surrounding areas, use toilet and avoid Open Defecation. The students chanted slogans to highlight the importance of hygienic surroundings, toilets and against Open Defecation.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said cleanliness should be considered as first and foremost task by every household so that children make it a habit and keep away from diseases throughout their life. He called upon the educated youth to come forward and create awareness among the people about the benefits of cleanliness.The Minister also stressed upon civic authorities to expedite the pace of construction of latrines to end the menace of open defecation in the Reasi town. He also stressed on the need to aware people about the health hazards of open defecation by holding regular camps.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC said that students can play major role in changing behavior of the people. He asked them to meet this responsibility by intensifying the cleanliness campaign in each nook and corner of the district.Among other present were ADDC Ramesh Chander, ADC Babu Ram, Chief Planning Officer, Deputy Director Planning Parshotam Kumar, District Treasury Officer Jivtesh Singh, Executive Officer Municipality, Tehsildar Rajesh Attri, CEO B.S. Jaral, XENs, ADs, Zonal Education Officer Reasi, and other officials of various departments.