Fortnightly Swachhta Pakhwada campaign kick-starts in Pulwama

Pulwama, Aug 2: Swachhta Pakhwada was inaugurated today by Deputy Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom at the DC office in Pulwama, marking the beginning of a fortnight dedicated to cleanliness and environmental sustainability across the district.

Numerous cleanliness activities under Swachhta Pakhwada will be undertaken from August 1 to 15 August.

The aim is to involve local communities in environmental conservation through the campaign and instill a sense of responsibility towards ecological sustainability among all.

The campaign will oversee public mobilization to take part in multifarious activities, including cleanliness drives at public places and tourist destinations, legacy waste disposal along roads, dedication of waste disposal infrastructure to local communities, initiation of new projects at the local level, as well as a series of awareness programs and engagement initiatives at various levels.

At the outset, a Swachhta Pledge was administered by the Deputy Commissioner to all officers, staff, and the public. An array of Swachhta Pledges were also solemnly embraced by educational institutions, govt establishments, civil society, and youth groups, underscoring a collective commitment to fostering an environment of hygiene and public health. Calling the Swachhta Abhiyan the most fundamental transformative campaign, DC Qayoom stated that the campaign has brought a shift in how we perceive our surroundings.

Dr Basharat emphasised the need for effective and greater public participation in promoting scientific waste management, adopting best sanitary practices, promoting hygiene, and fostering positive behavioral change towards environmental cleanliness.

Dr Qayoom also launched the plantation drive under “Ek Paed Shaheedon ke Naam” in noble remembrance of martyrs.

The inaugural ceremony saw overwhelming public participation and was attended by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, the Joint Director of Planning, the Assistant Commissioner of Panchayat, and other district officers.