KATHUA: As part of Prime Minister’s call to action for Plastic Waste Management, District Development Commissioner, Dr. Raghav Langer today flagged off a ‘Swachhta Rath’ organised by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments. The event was aimed at to spread message regarding the urgent need of eliminating single-use plastic towards developing environmental friendly society in the district.
Dr. Langer urged upon every stakeholder to participate in this national campaign and inspire others to take part in such noble social causes. He informed that awareness regarding plastic waste management will be generated across the towns and villages of the district from 11th of September to 1st of October.
The DDC informed that under Swachhta hi Sewa campaign, everyone will undertake Shramdaan and ensure collection of plastic waste in and around his surroundings On October 2. Besides, the district administration will recycle the collected plastic waste in Cement industries, Brick kilns and Hot mix plants from 3 October to 27 October, he added. He said that Bio degradable waste must be segregated at source as it breaks down naturally with exposure to microorganisms, heat and oxygen when recycled in a soak pit and can be used as manure.
DDC emphasized the significant role of NCC, NSS and NYK volunteers in sensitizing the populace about the need and importance of eliminating use of plastic from the earth through different activities. Later, DDC participated in a Swachhta rally along with Swachhta rath from DC Office complex to Shaheedi Chowk. He advised the shopkeepers to shun the use of plastic and motivated them to use bags made of cloths and other bio degradable substances.
Two shops, adjacent to BDO Kathua office were tagged for the sale of Handicraft/Handloom products besides bags made of jute and cloth. A pledge was also administered by the ACD to all the participants regarding elimination of plastic use. ACD, Sukhpal Singh, ACR, Devinder Paul, DEPO, Aruna Sharma, CEO and EOs of Municipal Committees, BDOs, Dy DEO and students participated in the event.