Convenor of North East SBM says public participation important in Swachh Bharat Mission
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 13 2018:
A 16 member team of North East Swachh Bharat Mission led by Sotai Kri, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and convenor of North East Swachh Bharat Mission, in collaboration with a team of Manipur led by N Ibohal Singh, Brand Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission organised a cleanliness drive at Gandhi Memorial Hall Imphal today morning.
Speaking on the sideline of the social service, convenor of North East Swachh Bharat Mission Sotai Kri said that he has been disseminating the Swachh Bharat Mission to six States of the North East and today's drive was a part of the journey.
He stated that Governor Najma Heptulla was not able to attend the function owing to some circumstances.
Underlining the importance and impact of public participation in raising an awareness, he claimed that the Swachh Bharat Mission organised at Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya turned out to be successful with maximum participation of the people.
Sotai Kri pointed out that the waste materials and plastics thrown at drains, canals and rivers pollute big lakes like Loktak, in case of Manipur and added that the lake has dried up drastically as compared to the time when Loktak lake was once a huge water body.
He appealed all to join hands and save Loktak lake.
The convenor further stressed on giving awareness among children/students to keep their surrounding clean and teach them to adopt the habit of using dustbins.
Appealing all to extend every possible help in keeping their respective constituencies, districts clean, he stated that the responsibilities of the mission should be shared between the Government departments and the public.
He appealed the authorities concerned to introduce strict rules and impose penalty for the violators.
Meanwhile, Manipur State Women Development Corporation Chairperson Sheityabama said that the Swachh Bharat mission should not be confined to cleaning the surrounding only but also include living a healthy and clean lifestyle.
One of the Prime Minister's missiom to make the whole country an open defecation free has been progressing with many States and districts reaching ODF status.
The team members from Arunachal have arrived here to collaborate with the members of Manipur so as to help each other in keeping both the States clean.
Brand Ambassador SBM N Ibohal informed that Sikkim has clinched the position for 1st ODF State while Arunachal and Manipur bags 2nd and 3rd ODF State in the North East.
Imphal Municipal Council Mayor L Lokeshwor was also present in the programme.