A day long awareness program on Swachta and cleanliness was organized by the Rural Development Department in collaboration with District Administration, here today.The event aimed at to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary and to highlight the reform measures in the sanitation sector with the primary focus on behavioral changes as the fundamental tool for achievement of Open Defecation Free outcomes. District Development Commissioner, Rohit Khajuria was the chief guest.In the first leg of the program at Dream Land Park, ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ Pledge was administered to the participants whereby they resolved to promote clean and healthy surroundings.Later, ‘Swachhta Marathon’ under the banner of ’Swachhta He Seva’ campaign was also organized from Dream Land Park to Govt. Women College via Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park. Scores of students from different educational institutes participated in the rally was flagged off by the DDC.The marathon was followed by a debate competition held at Government College for Women on the topic of ‘Swachhta in Our Society’.
The participants presented their views on the topic and suggested several initiatives to encourage participation in the Swachh Bharat Movement (SBM).The DDC, while addressing the students, said that the campaign was launched on September 15 and will conclude on October 2 which happens to be the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the fourth-year anniversary of Swachh Bharat campaign.“It is a nationwide campaign with the aim to clean up streets, roads, and the general infrastructure, i.e. an all-inclusive cleanliness mission. It has managed to gain considerable popularity and support over the years, so much so that, it is now known as India’s largest ever cleanliness drive,” the DC informed. Encouraging students for their active participate, the DDC said that the campaigns related to cleanliness and hygiene is a multi-stakeholder national movement and not only the responsibility of civic workers and government departments.Prizes were also distributed among the winners of marathon and debate competition by the DC.ADC Kathua, CEO, DPO, BDO, Principal and students in large numbers were present during the program.