POONCH: The Rural Development Department Poonch, in collaboration with educational institutions, organized a Swachhta Abhiyan (Cleanliness Drive) at Government Higher Secondary School Jhulaas. Swachta Hi Sewa Campaign starts on 15th of September every year and it culminates on 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti). During the campaign a series of activities are undertaken like Swachta Run, Painting competitions, Swachta Pledge, Nukkad Nataks etc. at panchayat level by the department of RDD in collaboration with other departments to raise awareness among the masses. This year Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign Theme is *Garbage Free India*
The event aimed to raise awareness about cleanliness and encourage students to actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean and free from litter. The Swachhta Abhiyan received an overwhelming response, with the presence of esteemed citizens, including DDC Member Ch. Abdul Ghani, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Sandesh Kumar Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Naheem Un Nissa Bhatti, Assistant Commissioner Development, Abid Hussain Shah, Block Development Officer (BDO) Ayaz Bhatt, Principal of Govt. Hr. Sec. School Jhulaas, and staff members.
DDC Member, ADDC Sandesh, ACP, and BDO Ayaz Bhatt while addressing the students emphasized the importance of cleanliness and its impact on the environment. They urged the students not to litter, both in their homes and around their schools and discourage the use of plastic. The officials also enlightened the students about the initiation of the Swachh Abhiyaan (Clean India Mission) and its founder.
On the occasion, the DDC Member flagged off a Swachhta rally. The rally commenced from Govt. Hr. Sec. School Jhulaas and culminated at Jhulaas Main Chowk, where BDO Ayaz Bhatt and other officials addressed the students and the public, spreading awareness about the Swachhta Abhiyan. The participants enthusiastically chanted the slogan "Clean India, Green India" during the rally, highlighting the importance of a clean and sustainable environment.