Port Blair, May 12: Under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (RD/Panchayat), the Directorate of RD, PRIs, and ULBs, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, embarked on a massive Special Cleanliness Drive across all 70 Gram Panchayats in the Islands, today as part of it’s commitment towards ensuring cleanliness in rural areas.
The initiative aimed to foster a culture of cleanliness and hygiene, promoting the well-being of residents and preserving the natural beauty of the islands. The drive was conducted with an objective of cleaning all public places and places of importance, to ensure visual cleanliness in rural. PRI members along with officials, civil society organizations took active part in the campaign.
Special emphasis was laid on collecting segregated Dry Waste. Collected waste were onward sent to the SWM Cluster for processing and onward transportation to Mainland.
Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (RD/Panch) led the campaign from the front and participated in multiple drives held at Mithakhari, Stewart Gunj and Shorepoint under Ferrargunj Block. He emphasized the importance of community participation and collaboration in maintaining cleanliness. He lauded the efforts of residents, local leaders, and government staff for their dedication and commitment to the cause.
The Special Cleanliness Drive also included awareness campaigns on waste management, sanitation practices, and the significance of keeping the surroundings clean.
The Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULBs led the campaign in the Beodnabad GP collaborating with the Pradhan, PRI members and officials. The State Nodal Officer (SBM-G) briefed on the importance of conducting such drives to instil a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
As a result of these concerted efforts, the Gram Panchayats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed a significant improvement in cleanliness levels, setting a positive example to follow. More then 3000 number of people collectively participated in the drive.
Altogether, 8.9 MT of Dry waste involving Plastics, Glass, MLP, Tetrapack and other marine litter were collected during the drive.
The Secretary (RD) expressed gratitude and exhorted that such campaigns needs to be conducted on regular basis towards cleaner, greener, and healthier Islands.
