JAMMU: The Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with 92.7 Big FM, on Wednesday inaugurated the much-awaited Big FM Cricket League 2024 at the Jammu Sports Club, Tawa. The event, aimed at promoting sustainable sanitation and fostering community engagement, witnessed a grand opening led by Anoo Malhotra, the Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K.
The event commenced with a Swachhata Pledge, where players, officials, and the audience united to reaffirm their commitment to a cleaner and greener Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the occasion, the DG emphasized the role of sports in uniting communities and spreading awareness about critical issues like sanitation.
In a significant announcement, RJ Juhie from 92.7 Big FM was officially nominated as the Swachhata Ambassador for the SBM-G campaign in J&K. She will work closely with the Directorate of Rural Sanitation to amplify messages on cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable practices through her radio platform, leveraging her popularity to inspire widespread participation.
The cricket league is expected to attract large crowds and serve as an innovative platform to engage citizens, especially youth, in the sanitation movement. The collaboration between the Directorate of Rural Sanitation and 92.7 Big FM underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.
Opening match was played between Swatchhta Strikers vs Jal Shakti Warriors. The DG expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the participants, spectators, and media partners, for their support in making this initiative a step toward achieving the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen goals. The event will continue over the coming days, with interactive activities and awareness drives planned alongside the matches.
Highlighting the theme of cleanliness and sustainability, stalls showcasing NRLM products, IPCA eco-friendly innovations made up of recycled plastic, and an Awareness Counter by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation were strategically set up at the stadium's entry point. Visitors were educated about effective waste management practices, the importance of source segregation, and the need for collective action to maintain clean surroundings.
The event was graced by senior officials from the Department including Director Rural Development Jammu Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, Chief Executive Officer Himayat Rajnish Gupta, and other senior officers.
Earlier, the other day the DG unveiled the official trophy and jersey for the League. âThis event marks the beginning of an exciting journey celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship while promoting sustainable sanitation and community engagement,â DG said, while unveiling the trophy and jersey design reflects the themes of cleanliness, hygiene, and community well-being, aligning seamlessly with the tournament's broader mission of encouraging sustainable practices through sports.
The Big FM Cricket League 2024, commenced on 4th December 2024 and will culminate on 13thDecember, is a unique initiative combining the love for cricket with an impactful message on sanitation.
Speaking at the event, DG Rural Sanitation remarked, âThis cricket league is more than just a sporting event. Itâs a platform to engage communities, especially the youth, in the mission for a Swachh and Sustainable J&K. The trophy symbolizes victory not just in cricket but also in our collective effort toward a cleaner environment.â
The collaboration with 92.7 Big FM ensures extensive outreach, with a focus on spreading awareness about rural sanitation initiatives through entertaining and impactful campaigns.
