Mass sanitation drive taken up in Puducherry as part of ‘Ek Tareek-Ek Ghanta-Ek Saath’ campaign

Mass sanitation drive in Puducherry saw 866 events, incl. 750 volunteers from transgender community. Over 12,500 citizens, 175 people, 229 events in 5 urban local bodies, senior elected reps, and 200 citizens in rural areas participated. Swachhata Pledge administered, SafaiMitras appreciated.

A mass sanitation drive involving thousands of volunteers and 866 events was undertaken across the Union Territory as part of the nation-wide ‘Ek Tareek-Ek Ghanta-Ek Saath’ campaign on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.

In the capital, over 750 volunteers, including those from the transgender community, engaged in cleaning Promenade beach.

Several activities were launched in the urban and rural segments led by line departments, including the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Department Of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE), Health, Education, Social Welfare and Tourism. Organisations such as educational institutions, banks, rotary clubs, schools, and colleges joined the campaign.

The drive launched by the GST and Central Excise Commissionerate was led by N. Padmasri, Commissioner. Around 500 doctors, students, and staff from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) launched cleanliness drives at Rock Beach, Bharathi Park, Community Hall, Thondamanatham Puducherry, Akkasamy Madam Street, and Vazhaikulam.

Sanjay Gothi, from Gothi Charitable Trust; Vishnu Bhat, former director of Jipmer, Deputy Director Krishana Gopal Goyal, Medical Superintendent L.N. Dorairajan, and the Dean (Academic) Vikram Kate led the campaign at various spots.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy presided over the State Level Shramdaan function. Public Works Department Minister K. Lakshminarayanan; MLA K.S.P Ramesh; Puducherry Municipal Commissioner S. Sivakumar, and Oulgaret Commissioner A. Sureshraj were present. The programme was attended by more than 175 people.

In all, 229 events were undertaken in five urban local bodies under the leadership of G. Soundirarajan, Deputy Director, Municipal Administration. Around 12,500 citizens came forward to make their contribution towards a cleaner city.