Make cleanliness a way of life, says official
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Fauzia Tarannum B. after the launch of State-level special campaign ‘Swachhata Hi Seva–2026’ at K. Shettahalli Gram Panchayat in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district on Thursday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The State-level special campaign ‘Swachhata Hi Seva–2026’ was launched at K. Shettahalli Gram Panchayat in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district on Thursday, with Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum B. calling upon citizens to make cleanliness a daily habit.
Speaking after inaugurating the fortnight-long campaign, being held from September 17 to October 2, the Commissioner said cleanliness was not the sole responsibility of the government or gram panchayats, but a collective responsibility of every citizen.
She stressed the need to segregate wet and dry waste at source. Households should compost wet waste at home and hand over dry waste to gram panchayat waste collection vehicles. Recyclable waste, including plastic, glass and metal, should be collected separately and scientifically disposed of, she said.
The Commissioner said steps were being taken at the gram panchayat level to strengthen solid waste management units, plastic waste management units, faecal waste treatment facilities and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These facilities could help convert waste into resources and produce reusable materials and other useful products, she added.
Urging citizens to respect and support sanitation workers, she said people should shed the attitude that waste management was ‘someone else’s job’ and take responsibility for the waste they generated.
Highlighting the link between cleanliness and public health, she called upon schoolchildren, youth, teachers, ASHA and anganwadi workers, self-help group members and other sections of society to participate in sanitation activities.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K.R. Nandini administered the sanitation pledge, urging participants to fulfil their responsibilities towards cleanliness, waste segregation, environmental protection and the building of a healthy society.
The programme also included an awareness session on menstrual hygiene management for women and adolescent girls. Information was provided on the use of reusable menstrual cups, women’s health and hygiene. Officials said awareness activities were being conducted through self-help groups, while ASHA and anganwadi workers and community resource persons were being trained to reach more women at the gram panchayat level.
School students Suhasini and Vikas shared their views on cleanliness, wet and dry waste segregation, reducing plastic use and preventing the pollution of water sources.
The programme was attended by the Zilla Panchayat Planning Director, RWS Executive Engineer, Taluk Panchayat Assistant Director, Gram Panchayat Development Officer, SBM consultants, self-help group members, gram panchayat staff and school students.
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