Minister launches ‘Swachhata Di Lehar’ campaign in city

Ahead of Diwali and upcoming municipal corporation polls in the state, Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh on Thursday launched “Swachhata Di Lehar” campaign by cleaning streets and lifting garbage in Jalandhar.

“Fifteen-day cleanliness drive, running from October 24 to November 7, aims to raise awareness among the public about the importance of maintaining cleanliness as a collective responsibility,” the minister said.

Dr Ravjot emphasised that for keeping the city and localities clean, joint efforts of all residents were required. “Just as we maintain cleanliness in our homes, we must also put in concerted efforts to keep our surroundings clean and green,” he said. He called on the people to join hands with the Punjab Government in cleaning their neighbourhoods and making the campaign a success.

Dr Ravjot said as a part of the campaign, civic body staff across the state would dedicate an extra hour every day to cleanliness efforts while continuing with their routine work.

The minister also urged the public to turn this campaign into a mass movement by participating in large numbers. The minister assured that he would personally oversee the campaign to ensure its success.

Speaking to the media, Dr Ravjot expressed confidence that the AAP would win all four upcoming Assembly by-elections in Punjab. Meanwhile, an NGO — Jagdambe Handicrafts Women Welfare Society — showcased an exhibition of waste material. The minister visited the exhibition and lauded efforts of NGO members for turning waste material into useable items.

Prominent among those who were present during the inauguration of the drive included Punjab Safai Karamchari Union chairman Chandan Grewal, MLA Raman Arora, Special Secretary and Local Bodies Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira, District Planning Board Chairman Amritpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal, Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gautam Jain and Joint Commissioner Dr Sumandeep Kaur.