Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Creating minimal waste and separating wet-dry waste is patriotic-Patiala DC Dr. Preeti Yadav
Swachh Bharat Day marks the conclusion of Swachhta Hi Seva fortnight in Patiala
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala, October 2, 2024: The ‘Swachhta Hi Seva Fortnight’, celebrated under the Swachh Bharat Mission, concluded today on Swachh Bharat Day, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti. The event was jointly organized by the Patiala District Administration, Municipal Corporation, Water Supply and Sanitation Department, and the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
At a district-level function held at Thapar University, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav and Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajat Ubrai honored sanitation workers from the Municipal Corporation, Health Department, and Water Supply and Sanitation Department, along with social service organizations and students who contributed to cleanliness efforts. ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon and Joint Commissioner Deepjot Kaur were also in attendance.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Preeti Yadav emphasized that reducing waste generation and segregating wet and dry waste at home is an act of patriotism.
She urged all citizens to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and to commit to environmentally friendly waste disposal practices.
“We must all take a pledge to manage waste responsibly to prevent the accumulation of garbage,” she said.
Dr. Yadav also lauded the creativity of government school students who crafted decorative and useful items from waste materials, remarking that today’s children will shape the future of the country. She encouraged every citizen to use resources like soil, water, and electricity wisely, with a commitment to leaving a cleaner environment for future generations.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajat Ubrai urged residents to segregate biodegradable waste for composting and recycle plastic and other dry waste. He announced that the Municipal Corporation would soon install a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant to generate biogas and energy.
Additionally, by March 31, 2025, the Corporation aims to clear the existing garbage dump and transform the area into a public park, a goal that can only be achieved with the cooperation of the city’s residents.
Several other dignitaries attended the event, including District Sanitation Officer Vipan Singla, District Education Officer Sanjeev Sharma, Punjab Pollution Control Board’s Environmental Engineer Gurkaran Singh, representatives from Thapar University, Indian Pollution Control Association, and Round Glass Foundation.
The event also featured Mehndi, Rangoli, and poster-making competitions.Participants were awarded organic fertilizers, cloth bags, pots, plants made from waste materials, and certificates in recognition of their contributions.