The Chief Minister Punjab Parkash Singh Badal administered pledge under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan to government officials, employees and other people at the state level function held here today on the occasion of birth anniversary of the Father of Nation Mahatama Gandhi.Badal avowed the people to maintain cleanliness in and around their houses, public places and workplaces. People pledged to devote at least 100 hours per year, making it two hours every week, to keep respective areas clean. Addressing the gathering he said that the people should take up cudgels of keeping country clean themselves. “Government has provided enough infrastructure and funds to keep the state clean. It is people who will have to step forward, take the onus and ensure that we keep our cities as clean as the foreign shores we visit,” he said.He said that while the SAD-BJP government in state was committed to keep the cities and villages pristine clean, it was also responsibility of its citizens to not litter their places.
The Chief Minister called upon people to be disciplined. Farmers were appealed to pile up their agriculture waste in a corner of their fields instead of piling the same on vacant land and creating pockets of dumping grounds. The urbanites were appealed to clean their houses and instead of throwing the waste collected in street, the same should be handed over to garbage collector or dumped at common garbage collection sites.He impressed upon the people, especially in the villages, to demonstrate exemplary determination and commitment by taking special initiative for removing the agriculture waste (biomass) and cattle-dung (ruri) stacked on the panchayat land as a part of cleanliness drive.
This initiative would ensure clean, green, pollution free and healthy environment thereby improving the quality of life of the people residing there.He said that the sense of cleanliness should be instilled in a child right from the time he or she learns to walk. “Cleanliness is next to godliness and this is where we have an important role to play,” he said.Calling upon the government officers and employees to be role model for others he said that the spirit should be imbibed deep within and be reflected in ones act. Reminding people of the spirit of selfless service, Mr Badal exhorted them to become role model to keep their environs neat. Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema accompanied him.Prominent among others present included MLA Talwandi Sabo Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Dr Basant Garg, DIG Mr. Amar Singh Chahal, SSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and others.