Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 17: In a bid to promote cleanliness and hygiene initiatives, Director Rural Sanitation, J&K, Mr. Charandeep Singh, launched the Indian Swachhata League 2.0 (ISL 2.0), an inter-district competition led by youth with the goal of creating a Garbage-Free Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative was inaugurated with the flagging off of ‘Swachhata Karwaan 2.0’ from Panchayat Kalyanpur (Jhiri), Block Marh, District Jammu.
Director Charandeep Singh actively participated in a cleanliness drive himself, leading a team of enthusiastic youngsters to clean up solid waste near the Tourist Park adjacent to Baba Jitto Dev Sthan Jhiri. This initiative, known as “Swachh Yodha Pratiyogita” (Cleanliness Warrior Competition), is a unique effort by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, J&K, aimed at engaging and motivating individuals, particularly in rural areas, to actively participate in the ongoing cleanliness campaign.
Approximately 500 participants, including students, athletes, PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions), prominent community members, officials, and shopkeepers, joined the cleanliness drive. Over one ton of garbage was collected from in and around the public park during this two-hour sanitation effort.
The ‘Swachh Yodha Pratiyogita’ competition seeks to recognize and reward individuals and teams making exceptional contributions to maintaining sanitation and hygiene standards within their communities.
Following the flagging off ceremony, sanitation drives were simultaneously launched in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with thousands of people participating in cleaning public spaces.
Director Charandeep Singh emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts in achieving the goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He stated, “Cleanliness is not just a government initiative; it is a collective responsibility of every citizen. The ‘Swachh Yodha Pratiyogita’ is designed to celebrate those who have taken it upon themselves to be the change-makers in their villages and towns.”
He further mentioned that the competition is expected to encourage more active participation in sanitation initiatives while fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. This aligns with the broader vision of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to create a clean and healthy India.
The competition was conducted under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, a fortnight-long sanitation drive across India. Entries for the collection of garbage during the drive were evaluated based on quantity, and a panel of officials assessed the entries and awarded the winning team.
Prizes and certificates were distributed to individuals securing first, second, and third positions in various sports activities held during the day. Additionally, exam pads and flower vases made from recycled waste were distributed among students who participated in a swachhata-themed painting competition at the event.
Local leaders, community representatives, and students attended the flag-off event, expressing their support for the initiative. They emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir remains a shining example of cleanliness and hygiene in the country. |
