Ranchi, Oct 1: A special cleanliness and public awareness programme was organised in Namkum block of Ranchi district on Thursday as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva–2026 campaign, with emphasis on community participation, reducing plastic use and protecting the environment.
Jharkhand Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Yogendra Prasad attended the programme and appealed to citizens to treat cleanliness as a shared responsibility. He urged people to maintain cleanliness in their homes, villages and public spaces and incorporate hygienic practices into their daily lives.
The minister also participated in a cleanliness drive at the venue, along with public representatives, government officials, employees and local residents.A major focus of the programme was reducing dependence on single-use plastic. Prasad encouraged people to use reusable cloth bags as an alternative to plastic bags.
Cloth bags were distributed among residents during the awareness programme.The event also included tree plantation under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
The activity was aimed at linking cleanliness with environmental conservation and encouraging people to contribute towards a greener environment.Participants also took a cleanliness pledge, while a selfie point and other awareness activities were organised to encourage greater public participation.
Balloons were released as part of the symbolic awareness activities.Drinking Water and Sanitation Department Secretary Abu Imran stressed the need to turn cleanliness into a continuous public movement.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) in rural areas and said community participation was essential for improving sanitation systems.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Mission Director Ranjita Hembram said the campaign should go beyond individual events and focus on sustained public participation and behavioural change.
Joint Secretary Shashindra Baraik, the Namkum Block Development Officer, UNICEF WASH Expert Kumar Premchand, departmental officials and employees were also present at the programme.
The initiative sought to promote cleaner communities, responsible waste management, reduced plastic consumption and greater public involvement in environmental protection.
