LG launches “Swachchha Bharat Campaign”; gives clarion call to protect Isles’ environment
Port Blair, Sept 25: “Swachchha Bharat Campaign” an initiative of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi was launched in these Islands today by the Hon’ble Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd). The “Swachchha Bharat Saptah” has been launched with the objective to sensitize people about cleanliness as part of the “Swachchha Bharat Abhiyan” which will be launched by the Prime Minister on Oct 2 on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Lt Governor made a fervent call to all the citizens of the Islands to work for a better, cleaner and a vibrant Island. Apart from Govt, people’s participation in such important campaign is of paramount importance for the success of the mission, he said.
Rolling out the week-long programme to achieve total sanitation from the sea shore road, Haddo early this morning, Lt Governor directed the PBMC to involve the people of the area to keep all the Wards of the Council clean. He also asked the Chairperson PBMC to display signboards, proper upkeep of the city and evolve a plan of action for the campaign. He urged the people of the Islands not to resort to throwing garbage in the open and on seashores but ensure proper disposal.
Instructing the A&N Police to be vigilant in keeping the picturesque Islands clean, the Lt Governor said enforcement of fine for improper disposal of garbage, particularly on the seashores should be levied. He also directed to depute IRBn constables in all such places. The PCCF and Secretary Tourism was asked to monitor the cleanliness of all tourist spots. Directions were given to APWD to construct barriers in drains/nallahs leading to sea to restrict wastages.
The Lt Governor observed that solid waste is an environmental hazard and appealed to the gathering to generate awareness among the masses through educative programmes. Underlining the need of women participation in such campaign, he said that women can play a catalytic role in achieving total sanitation by way of safe disposal of garbage not only in their own premises but also in their locality. He also directed PBMC to work-out a mechanism for solid waste management and disposal of waste. He urged the concerned authorities to find a solution to disposal of plastic bottles in Havelock Island, a favourite tourist spot.
Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Smt Rupa Ray, Zilla Parishad Adhayksha (SA), Ms Mariam Bibi, Chairperson PBMC Shri M Arumugam, Chairperson SSWB, Smt Ratna Kannan, former Chairperson, PBMC Shri K Ganeshan, senior officers of A&N Administration, NGOs, volunteers and a large number of general public participated in the campaign.
Earlier the Lt Governor had a glance at the pictorial enclave set up by SOCH (Social Challenges) of DBRAIT depicting various aspects of solid waste management. He also launched a “Signature Campaign” by putting his signature with the motto ‘We are committed to keep our environment clean and green’.
Later, the Lt Governor inspected the cleanliness drive at Marina Park area, Dollygunj Chowk and Bhatubasti junction. His message to the people was “the Island belongs to all of us and we should strive to keep it clean. Please become stakeholders in this campaign”.
The “Swachha Bharat Saptah” is being undertaken under the coordination of the Deputy Commissioners of all Districts involving PRIs, Municipal Council and NGOs in the entire islands.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray flagged off the “Swachha Bharat Saptah” near Havelock Jetty area. Later, he visited different places in Havelock Island and advised the people to keep the Island neat & clean.
