 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 29: The month-long campaign led by Jammu Mayor Rajinder Sharma to raise awareness and encourage the masses of Jammu to stop using plastic and polythene items concluded with a Walkathon held at Parade Ground on Monday morning. Over 7,000 people, mostly students from various schools, colleges, and universities, participated in the event.
The Chief Secretary of J&K Union Territory, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, graced the function along with SSP Traffic Faisal Qureshi and other officers, morning walkers, saints, social organizations, traders, and other groups.
While addressing reporters during the Walkathon, Mayor Rajinder Sharma stated, “The campaign has concluded today, but the journey towards a new era free from polythene will soon begin in the City of Temples.”
The Walkathon commenced at Parade Ground and culminated at Maharaja Hari Singh Park near Tawi River. The Chief Secretary walked until City Chowk area, accompanied by the Mayor and others.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta appreciated the efforts of the Mayor and highlighted the health and environmental hazards caused by polythene. He expressed his satisfaction with the objectives of the campaign and praised the hard work put in by the Mayor and his team, as well as the organizers of the Walkathon and the massive participation of students.
The Chief Secretary expressed his confidence in the political leadership of the urban local body and believed that the movement aimed at preserving the environment would reach its logical conclusion soon.
Several speakers at the event expressed satisfaction with the alternatives provided for polythene carry bags, such as bio-degradable carry bags made of cellulose-starch developed by DRDO.
The enthusiastic students participating in the Walkathon carried placards with slogans like “Stop the Use of Polythene” and “I Will Make a Start.”
They pledged not only to stop using plastic and polythene themselves but also to raise objections and create awareness among others about the hazards of using polythene and plastic.
The Mayor personally met each student and representatives of their institutions and provided them with refreshments.
The educational institutions assured the Mayor of their continued support and willingness to participate in any future initiatives for the benefit of society by the JMC.
The participating schools included KC Public School, Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School, MIER College of Education, Govt College for Women Parade, Delhi Public School Jammu, Govt MAM College Jammu, PSPS Govt PG College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu, Dewan Badrinath Vidya Mandir Amarvilla Tallab Tillo, Govt Boys Hr Sec School Bakshi Nagar, St. Peter’s High School, SKUAST Jammu, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Muthi Jammu, NCC from Govt Women College Parade, Govt Hr Sec School Paloura, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Canal, Govt Hr Sec School Paloura, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Gandhi Nagar, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Shastri Nagar, Govt Hr Sec School Bahu Fort, Govt GGM Sc College, Govt Boys Hr Sec School Gandhi Nagar, KC International School Akhnoor Road, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Bakshi Nagar, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Nowabad, Tallab Tillo, Govt Girls Hr Sec School Rehari, Govt Boys Hr Sec School Camp Road Nowabad, Shri Ranbir Hr Sec School, Govt Hari Singh Hr Sec School, Govt College of Education, and GD Goenka.
The Chairmen of Standing Committees of JMC who participated in the Walk were Arun Khanna and Subash Sharma. JMC Councillors Gurmeet Kour |
