Our Bureau
SHILLONG/JOWAI, Oct 2: Giving a final push to a zealous campaign, several stakeholders came out on the final day of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, an initiative by the central government, to give this green endeavour a befitting closure.
From the paramilitary forces such as the BSF and CRPF to government offices, agencies, organisations and the general public participated in cleaning drives at several locations in the state.
Promoting the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in daily life, BSF Meghalaya under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign completed two weeks of ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ by organising various cleanliness events between September 15 and 30. Special programmes were also held on October 1 and 2, on the occasion of birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
During the ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’, the BSF Meghalaya took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to a cleaner and greener India by organising a series of events and activities that showcased the spirit of ‘Swachhata’ among its personnel and the local communities.
Educational programmes and awareness campaigns were also organised to spread the message of cleanliness and hygiene.
A cleanliness drive was conducted at office premises and adjoining civilian areas as part of the special campaign at all establishments under BSF Meghalaya Frontier.
On October 1 (Sunday), BSF Meghalaya personnel actively participated in a massive cleanliness drive conducted in and around their border outposts, villages, and public spaces as part of the outreach program under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign.
The teams worked diligently to clean up garbage, remove plastic waste, and maintain the surroundings. This session also aimed to sensitize the local population about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
On October 2 (Monday), a Swachhata pledge-taking ceremony was also organised by all establishments under BSF Meghalaya Frontier with the aim of paying tribute to the father of the nation on his 154th birth anniversary.
Speaking about the event, IG BSF Meghalaya Pradip Kumar said, “The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign holds great significance for us as it aligns with our commitment to maintaining a clean and secure border region. We believe that a clean environment not only enhances the quality of life but also strengthens our National Security. We are proud to have played our part in this noble cause.”
The 67 Battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) held a cleanliness drive in Shillong as a precursor to the celebration of its 44th Raising Day, on Monday.
On Monday, the 67 Battalion, CRPF, launched a large-scale cleanliness drive in and around Shillong, aiming to foster a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of the city. This initiative is a testament to the CRPF’s dedication not only to national security but also to community well-being.
The cleanliness drive encompassed various activities, including waste collection and disposal, street cleaning, and awareness campaigns on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.
The cleanliness drive set the stage for the grand celebration of the 67 Battalion’s 44th Raising Day on Sunday.
The battalion’s Raising Day is a momentous occasion that commemorates its establishment and pays tribute to the valiant personnel who have served the nation with unwavering dedication.
The Raising Day celebration included a ceremonial parade, mela, cultural programmes, and the honouring of distinguished personnel for their exemplary service. The event will also provide an opportunity for the community to interact with the CRPF personnel and learn more about their role in maintaining peace and security.
IG, North-Eastern Sector Headquarters CRPF, Anurag Agrawal, inaugurated the celebration, DIG Ram Charan Meena, DIG Anil Kumar Dhyani, Commandant-67 BN CRPF, Alok Bhattacharya, and other officers and personnel of the unit were present on the occasion.
The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), North East Regional Centre, Shillong, joined the others on Gandhi Jayanti being led by Head of Office of AnSI, Shillong, Dr Koel Mukherjee.
A botanical museum consisting of four different types of medicinal plants of North East India were introduced on the office premises.
All the staff members of AnSI Shillong participated in plantation drive. A bamboo frame post was made by the office to display the details of medicinal plants. The office also took initiative to make the office premises plastic free zone by replacing the plastic items such as waste bin, coasters, cover file and table mat with the same of local sustainable materials like bamboo and cane.
Moreover, in order to get rid of the old files from the office, the segregated files were disposed of by burning following official rules.
The National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled (erstwhile VRC), a subordinate office under Directorate General of Employment (DGE), Ministry of Labour and Employment, in Shillong conducted a programme to mark Swachhata Hi Seva campaign from September 15 to October 2.
Different activities were taken up during the campaign such as cleanling of office premises, residential areas and parks, besides community mobilisation through special campaign, ‘shramdaan’, weeding of files, skit play, essay, Quiz competition etc., with the active participation of employees, trainees, school students and community members.
A prize distribution ceremony for different competitions was held and the Swachhata pledge was taken on Monday by all the participants.
Commemorating the occasion, AROH Foundation supported by HDFC Bank Ltd organised a cleanliness drive on Monday. The purpose of the event was to sensitise the local population on clean environment.
The drive was conducted in 12 villages falling Pynursla block — Wahlyngkhat, Laitlyting Lyngkyrdem, Nongmadan Shadsngi, Mawlam, Tangmang, Saitbakon, Langkawet, Laitmynrieng, Lyting Lyngdoh, Myllat, Wahkhen and Pynter
Locals and members of Village Development Council participated in the cleaning session at their own respective areas.
Meanwhile in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, the district administration in collaboration with Jowai Municipal Board (JMB), Dorbar Chnong Tympang Iawmusiang, Jowai Traders Association (JTA), Market Committee CNI Market, Jowai Presbyterian Iawchyiap, and Seinraij Jowai, conducted a cleaning drive on Monday as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign and to mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
The residents of Iawmusiang, vendors and shopkeepers among other stakeholders participated in cleaning the market areas including CNI Market, Seinraij Market, Jowai Presbyterian (Iaw chyiap) Market, and surrounding areas.
The cleaning drive was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dahunlang V Lyngdoh.
Earlier, a short programme was held in which the Jowai Traders Association (JTA) felicitated the government officials for their daily service and valuable contributions to the society. The officials include SDO, MeECL, E Pohshna, Traffic Police In-charge Rocky M Umlong, and Executive Officer Jowai Municipal Board, S Amse.
Certificates were also distributed among participants of the weeklong campaign.