TURA: Pelga Dare, one of the scenic spots in the Ganol River received a makeover on Wednesday with the Tea Board of India organising a special cleaning drive under Swachhata Pakhwada at the site as well as its surrounding areas.
The cleaning drive was organised with financial assistance from the Guwahati Tea Board North East Zonal Office in which several existing tea industries from Garo Hills along with A’king Nokmas and local villagers participated.
Participating on the occasion as chief guest, Programmer of the Tea Board North East Zonal Office, A Gupta said that it is the duty of one and all to practice cleanliness and urged the gathering to respect natural scenic spots and to keep them clean.
“Let us consider them as gifts from God and preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings,” Gupta said.
Director of Meghalaya Tourism Department, K M Momin who also spoke on the occasion said that there is a need to sensitize the youths on the importance of cleanliness. Momin said that as Garo Hills was now moving forward in all aspects, focus needs to be made on cleanliness.
“Life in big cities has become monotonous in the absence of any green cover and people are getting bored. They long for the green forest and hills which once was part of their lives and are now coming to Garo Hills to experience raw nature,” Momin said.
Nokma of Upper Damalgre, H R Marak said that the special cleaning drive was an eye opener for all and urged everyone present to do their bit to keep their respective areas clean.
“Cleanliness should not remain in one’s home alone but should extend to the locality and other areas which can be covered. Just because this special cleaning drive has been organized today, one should not feel that he has done his duty. We should try to practice cleanliness each day of our life and only then can we make a difference,” Marak said.
