 Early Times Report
jammu, Oct 21: As part of its community outreach program and to support Government of India's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Patnitop Gondola (Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean) in association with JK Police and CAPF initiated a cleanliness drive on 20th October 2019 in Patnitop.
This was a much-needed endeavour considering Patnitop's fragile eco-system comprising of its rich flora and fauna, dwindling population of deodar trees, and lush green meadows being polluted with non-biodegradable plastic.
Over 120 volunteers gathered at Patnitop Gondola's lower terminal at 10.30 am and were taken to Patnitop via the gondola, which is the highest in India*. The volunteers traversed to Padora Chowk at Patnitop and were given masks, gloves, and brooms. The volunteers collected over 450 kgs of waste comprising of non-biodegradable plastics, glass bottles, and left-over food.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Viqar, Project Head, Empyrean Skyview Projects, emphasised on the need of maintaining cleanliness in Patnitop. He along with Mr. Santokh Raj Deol, SDPO Chenani and Paramjeet Singh, SHO Chenani, made a fervent appeal to Patnitop's hoteliers and kiosks operators to safeguard the rich flora and fauna of Patnitop by proper segregation and disposal of waste.
Additionally, Santokh Raj Deol appealed to the Chief Executive Officer of Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) for imposing a blanket ban on using polythene in and around Patnitop. Keeping in view of the large volume of scattered plastic waste, Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean decided that this cleanliness drive will be undertaken every month to support the larger initiative of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the Government of India. |
