Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda, participated in a sanitation drive launched by Municipality Katra in association with Indian Oil Corporation at Fountain Chowk Katra followed by an awareness programme. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the Municipality for this drive and called upon the officers to intensify similar drives in all 13 wards of Katra town till culmination of this Nationwide Sanitation Campaign “Swachhta Hi Seva”.The Minister, while elaborating on measures for securing high standards of cleanliness, said that civil society should enthusiastically participate in such programmes and make it a habit to clean their homes and surrounding areas and shun the practices of throwing garbage and wastes in open areas.The Minister said that it is first and foremost responsibility of all stakeholders to motivate and educate common masses and tourists for avoiding use of such things which turn environs filthy and unhygenic. To reach to the poor and marginalized and to provide them with sanitation services should be the hallmark of such campaigns, he said.Later, the Minister handed over mementos to 50 sweepers who worked hard during Navratra Festival. The sweepers were also provided uniforms, shoes and caps on the occasion. SDM Katra Neelam Khajuria, Brand Ambassador and International Hockey Player Sardar Didar Singh, Chief Executive Officer K.K. Chalotra and other officers and officials of Municipality were also present on the occasion.