ITANAGAR, Sept 15 - Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (retd) today launched Swachhata Hi Seva, a fortnight-long cleanliness campaign, in the State at Mani village, 35 km from here, in Papum Pare district.
The Governor, along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, PHED Minister Wangki Lowang, Environment and Forests Minister Nabam Rebia and gaonburahs, commenced the drive by cleaning the campus of Government Secondary School, Mani. To mark the occasion, the Governor planted a bottle palm sapling in the school campus.
Addressing a public meeting at the site, the Governor congratulated the people on their contributions to making Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the rural areas, open defecation-free (ODF).
He said that if every citizen of the State maintains the momentum and spirit of cleanliness, the pressure on hospitals would decrease. �We want our hospitals to be free from patients,� he said while highlighting the benefits of cleanliness.
Citing examples of cleanliness practices as witnessed by him in developed countries, the Governor urged the people to emulate the healthy practices in keeping the environment clean.
While suggesting ways to sustain the Swachh Bharat mission, the Governor said healthy habits and practices must be inculcated among the children. He urged the parents, guardians and teachers to take the lead in educating the younger generation. He also called upon the public, particularly social leaders, NGOs and community-based organisations to promote cleanliness in the society.
The Governor said that it is the farsightedness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India is moving towards becoming clean, healthy and flourishing nation. �For the country to develop, we have to understand the importance of imbibing and promoting habits of cleanliness of mind and body,� he stressed. The Governor hoped that every member of the society would make a personal contribution to making India clean.
The Swachhta Hi Seva programme was also launched at the Buddha Park in Tawang by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is currently on a tour to his home district. The programme aims to accelerate the campaign for realising the vision of Clean India by garnering greater citizen engagement.
Khandu said the programme would involve activities for awareness generation and community mobilisation through shramdaan, �clean and green� drives and Swachhta rallies from September 15 to October 2.
