As a part of Chinar Corps Centenary celebrations, Army has undertaken various welfare activities for the Awaam which include sports fixtures, afforestation drives, mountain & bicycle expeditions, medical & veterinary camps and cleanliness drives, panning across the valley.Towards the same initiative, Army unit based at Pattan had undertaken one of its kind campaign “Clean Pattan, Green Pattan” in close coordination with Municipal Committee, Zangam with an aim to give a facelift to important town of Baramulla which is hub of economic and social activities. The ardent drive of seven days commenced on 03 May 2016 wherein hundred of Army Soldiers participated along with local volunteers and staff of Municipal Committee, Pattan. All Mohallahs, market area, college, schools, public places & facilities like Sub Divisional Hospital, parks and drains were cleaned and hygienic chemicals were sprayed in the drains.
The Army support infused enthusiasm and motivation in all the participants who volunteered to clean their town. The residents of Pattan appreciated the marked change in the ambience and realised the message of this drive that “Cleanliness is Godliness”. The purpose of the drive was to make Pattan dirt and dust free for its residents which was achieved and locals also felt the change to live in a clean environment.This unique initiative finally culminated on 10 May at Govt High Secondary School, Pattan in an awareness seminar where in Municipal Committee Chief addressed a gathering of over 1000 youth, students and locals. The students of local schools presented skits highlighting the importance of clean environment. Army also distributed free T-shirts to the participants with awareness massages printed on it.The Chief Guest on the occasion Brig SH Naqvi, Commander of Hyderbeg Garrison in the closing address appreciated the effort made by Municipal Committee, local volunteers and locals Rashtriya Rifle Battalion. He expressed that each and everyone should have a self realisation towards cleanliness to achieve the purpose of such endeavours made by Army. (KNS)