Srinagar 01 October (KNB): Youth Affairs & Sports and I&B union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur launched a month-long Clean India Programme from Prayagraj Lucknow on Friday. This programme is starting from 1st of October and will continue till the month-end.
A handout issue here said that the aim of the cleanliness drive is to create awareness, mobilize people and ensure their involvement in cleaning waste, mainly Single Use Plastic waste throughout the country.
Under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme, the Department of Youth Services and Sports also launched ‘Clean India Mission’ for Jammu and Kashmir from the premises of the Directorate Of Youth Services & Sports at Wazirbagh here. Principal Secretary to Government Youth Services & Sports Department Alok Kumar along with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole, District Development Commissioner Srinagar Aijaz Asad, Director YSS Gazanfar Ali and Special Secretary YSS Mohammad Ashraf Bhat jointly E-launched the mission for 19 JK districts while as Srinagar based contingent was present physically on this occasion. Principal Secretary interacted with different district based contingents of the Department of Youth Services & Sports. He stressed on following the month-long programme with commitment and sense of belonging. He also directed the field officers of the department to ensure that members of civil society, NYKs and youth in general are engaged at every level in keeping our colonies, mohlas, public parks, schools and public places neat and clean. He also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and the unique initiates of current dispensation in this regard. While stressing upon all the stakeholders that the programme should be organized in every nook and corner of the UT, Alok Kumar directed the field staff of YSS that no habitat should be left unattended while disseminating awareness regarding clean waste mainly single use plastic waste. ‘’Special drives should be carried out to clean historical monuments and heritage sites, community centres, youth club/mahila mandal buildings, school buildings and panchayat buildings etc’’. Principal Secretary further added.
The field officials of YSS, students and people from the civil society were given a pledge that they would ensure their active participation in keeping their surroundings clean and pollution free.
Joint Director (Kashmir) YSS Bashir Ahmed while welcoming the dignitaries presented a detailed report about the achievements and initiatives of the Department in this direction. He assured that the Department would follow all the directions of higher-ups while implementing all such programmes in letter and spirit.
Colorful and very attractive cultural programs were presented by young girls and boys which received a huge applause from the audience.
Proceedings of the function were conducted by In-charge Media & Publicity Wing of YSS Azhar Hajini.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India Mission is a country-wide campaign initiated by the Government of India in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management.
Corporator SMC Danish Ahmed, Accounts Officer YSS Mohammad Hussain, DYSSO Srinagar Balbir Singh Sodhi, ZPEOs of district Srinagar and other field officials of the Department of Youth Services & Sports were also present at the colorful valedictory ceremony of Clean India Mission. (KNB)