Kargil, Sept 14, 2024: As a precursor to the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign (2024), the Municipal Committee of Kargil held a programme in Auditorium Hall Kargil today in collaboration with RD&PRD-Kargil dedicated to cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

The theme of the forthcoming ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign is ‘Swabhav Swachhta- Sanskaar Swachhta.’The initiative aims to enhance cleanliness in various sectors including clean Residential Areas, Public Spaces, Water Bodies, Markets, Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Religious Places, Transportation Hubs and Government Offices.

The programme at the Auditorium Hall featured a series of activities designed to engage and educate the community. The event included a skit by the Regional Art & Theatre Art Group (RaNTHAG) Kargil, a short play performed by the students of Suru Valley Public School, Kargil and also screening of a short film by Kacho Ahmed Khan (Founder of RaNTHAG) focused on the theme of Swachhata (cleanliness), which highlighted the importance of maintaining clean surroundings.

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While speaking on the occasion, Director, RD&PRD-Ladakh, Syed Sajjad Qadri expressed his Department’s commitment to promoting cleanliness and sustainability in the region. He appreciated the efforts of MC-Kargil in leaving no stone unturned towards maintaining cleanliness. Qadri Director urged students to act as ambassadors and spread the message of cleanliness among their families and communities. He encouraged the participants to adopt cleanliness as a part of their daily lives and culture, emphasizing the need for responsibility and behavioural change regarding cleanliness practices.

The Director added that the activities and initiatives planned during the events will raise awareness and encourage active participation from the community.

On the occasion, Administrator MC-Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho said that the campaign titled ‘Swachhata Hi Seva-2024’ aims at enhancing public awareness about sanitation and waste management.

“Each year, the campaign focuses on different aspects of sanitation, ranging from waste segregation and waste management to the promotion of hygiene practices,” he said.

The Administrator appreciated the initiative of RD&PRD-Ladakh towards establishing waste segregation sheds in rural areas of the district which has made an amazing impact in the rural landscape.

He said that the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign is not just an event but a vital part of MC Kargil’s commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

He stressed on the need for behavioural change among people, urging everyone to take individual responsibility for cleanliness and contribute to creating a cleaner, sustainable environment.

Kacho advised using plastic and disposable waste for making art pieces and avoiding plastic bags. He highlighted the importance of community cooperation in achieving a clean environment. He urged the participants and the public in general to carry their own bags from home while visiting the market for purchasing items. He also highlighted the various activities and everyday lined up for the campaign starting 17th September.

Speaking on the occasion, Councilor Baroo-Minji, Advocate Khadim Hussain emphasized that the programme aims at spreading Mahatma Gandhi’s message of cleanliness nationwide. He urged every citizen to take responsibility and cooperate in the cleanliness campaign for a better future.

Earlier, Executive Officer, MC-Kargil Razia Bano presented the welcome speech. She highlighted the three key pillars of the Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign-2024: ‘Swachhata Ki Bhagidari’ (Public Participation, Awareness, and Advocacy), ‘Sampoorna Swachhta’ (including Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi) and ‘Safaimitra Suraksha Shivir’ (Preventive health check-ups and social security coverage).

Following the event, a rally and a cleanliness drive were carried out by the employees of MC-Kargil, RD&PRD-Kargil, students of various schools and members of transport unions from Auditorium Hall to the MC Yard in order to create awareness among the people and to instill a sense of responsibility among the citizens.

Among the attendees were Director, RD&PRD-Ladakh, Syed Sajjad Qadri; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Suhail Ahmed; Administrator MC-Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; EO MC-Razia Khatoon; BDOs of Kargil and Pashkum, staff of MC and RD&PRD, students and various other stakeholders holders.