𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐢 𝐒𝐞𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞; 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐤𝐡

The Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign kicked off in Leh today, at an event in Leh market. On the occasion, Advisor Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal was the chief guest, and Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Sanjeev Khirwar was the guest of honour.

Commissioner Secretary Padma Angmo, Administrative Secretary Yatindra Maralkar, ADDC Leh Sonam Nurbo, and other concerned officers and officials were present on the occasion.

On the occasion, Advisor Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal distributed PPE kits to the Safai Mitras (sanitation workers). This gesture was a mark of appreciation for their dedicated efforts in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Dr Kotwal commended the Safai Mitras for their invaluable contribution to public health and hygiene, emphasizing the crucial role they play in upholding cleanliness standards in the community. Advisor took to the occasion to commend the Municipal Committee of Leh, under the guidance of Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar for their tireless efforts in maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Ladakh. Further, Dr Kotwal expressed his deep gratitude to the Safai Mitras for their significant contribution in ensuring the cleanliness of the region.

Dr Kotwal emphasized the urgent need to tackle the growing threat of plastic waste to the environment. He stressed the importance of properly disposing of plastic, hazardous hospital, and electronic waste to prevent further environmental harm. Dr Kotwal also commended developments such as the Municipal Solid Waste Plant set up in Leh, providing efficient and sustainable disposal methods. He also informed that a similar project has also been set up for kargil town which shall be made functional soon.

Director, Urban and Local Bodies, UT Ladakh Moses Kunzang, warmly welcomed the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour by presenting them with Khataks and bouquets. Kunzang in his address gave an overview of the event, emphasizing its significance and key objectives. Following his address, Kunzang extended a heartfelt welcome to the other dignitaries, officials, and attendees, expressing his gratitude for their presence and participation. Following the welcome ceremony, the “Swachhata Hi Seva” pledge was taken by all attendees, reaffirming their commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.

After the pledge, a captivating Nukkad Natak (street play) was presented by the group from the Ladakh Theatre Organization. The performance creatively highlighted the importance of cleanliness and the ‘Smart Waste Segregation’ method which ensures that waste is disposed of correctly and sustainably, reducing environmental harm.

Post the event, the guests and participants took part in a cleanliness drive from Jama Masjid towards the Central Asian Museum.

This year is being observed as the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Campaign and the theme this year is Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata. The nationwide campaign is being observed from 17th September to 2nd October.

The event was organised by the Housing and Urban Development and Municipal Committee Leh.