Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the nationwide cleanliness campaign initiated by the Government of India, has been making significant strides in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said Er. Dil Bahadur Singh Jamwal and Er T.K. Sharma State BJP Convenor and Co convenor of Swachh Bharat Mission while speaking at the cleanliness drive initiated in Ghrota and Agore in Mandal Amb Ghrota and Mathwar in Nagrota Assembly constituency along with the local party functionaries and general public under the on-going Swachhta Pakhwara “ Swachhta Hi Sewa Hai’.
Speaking on the occasion Er. Dil Bahadur Singh said “on this auspicious day of Mahatma Gandhi's 154th birth anniversary, also celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence, we take pride in highlighting the remarkable progress of this cleanliness drive in the region”, they said Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched on October 2, 2014, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, aims to make India clean and open-defecation free by promoting sanitation and hygiene”.Over the years, this initiative has garnered widespread support and participation from citizens, NGOs, local authorities, and government agencies across the country, including the beautiful region of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has made substantial progress in achieving ODF status and informed that more than 6650 villages of Jammu and Kashmir UT has been declared to be Open Defecation Free. He congratulated the public for this big achievement. He further requested the youth of the areas to make a pledge to give two hours in a week voluntarily for Swachhta and make Swachhta a Jan Abhiyaan. He also stressed that youth should take part in cleanliness derive in villages on regular basis.Through the construction of thousands of individual and community toilets, the campaign has significantly reduced open defecation in both urban and rural areas, he added.
He said numerous cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns have been organized across the union territory. He said these initiatives have not only improved the cleanliness of cities and towns but have also instilled a sense of responsibility among the citizens to maintain cleanliness. Er. Dil Bahadur said Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has encouraged active participation from the public, schools, colleges, and local communities. Citizens have come forward to clean public spaces, plant trees, and promote green initiatives. Speaking on the occasion Er TK Sharma said the commendable efforts of individuals, organizations, and local bodies have been recognized and rewarded, further motivating them to continue their contributions to the cleanliness drive.
He further said that the improved cleanliness and hygiene standards in Jammu and Kashmir have positively impacted tourism, attracting more visitors to explore the scenic beauty of the Jammu & Kashmir.Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Sh Omi Khajuria District President Jammu North, Er. S. K Zailpuri Convenor Jammu South, Er VK Gupta Convenor Jammu North, Er Suresh Sharma, Sh BB Sharma, Er Umesh Gupta , Sh Raj Kumar, Sh Madhu Sudan besides Sh Ashok Kerni Mandal President Amb Gharota, Sh Narinder Singh General Secretary Sh Vipan Sharma General secy., Sh Kuldeep Singh Chib, Sh Vijay Sharma Vice president and Sh Kuldeep Singh ZEO (Retd).