Image: Northeast Now

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra on Thursday participated in a ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ programme at the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar.

The programme, which was organized in the run-up to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, aimed at spreading awareness against the use of single-use plastic.

Also read: Governor Mishra calls for a cleaner Arunachal Pradesh

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a mission which has appreciably been taken up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“This mission is for the welfare of the people, society and the nation,” Mishra said.

Keeping our surroundings clean is our human obligation and social duty, he added.

The Governor emphasized on changing the mindset of the people towards maintaining cleanliness of one’s surroundings.

“Keeping the surroundings clean is not the duty of only the municipal workers, but it is a responsibility of every citizen of the state,” he said.

Also stressing on segregation of home waste, the Governor said that segregation is the first and mandatory step towards single-use plastics.

The Governor further urged upon the students and the youths to motivate their friends, peers, parents, and relatives for cleanliness.

The day also saw the Governor release a documentary, titled ‘Swachh Bharat Initiative at Raj Bhavan’ and the same was screened on the occasion.

The film is conceptualized by First Lady Neelam Mishra.

Also read: Arunachal’s First Lady encourages students to join Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Swachh Bharat Mission state nodal officer J Basar briefed on the programme while chief minister fellow Rinchui Raman and Law College, Jote assistant professor Chujip Khoinya presented PowerPoint presentations on hazards of plastic and e-waste.

A documentary on ‘Swacchta Hi Seva’ campaign in Arunachal Pradesh produced by the Department of Urban Development was also screened on the occasion.

Later, a demonstration of waste segregation procedure was conducted by officials of Itanagar Municipal Council and members of self help groups.

Earlier, the First Lady felicitated employees of Raj Bhavan who have contributed shramdaan (voluntary contribution of labour) towards Swachh Bharat Mission with cloth bags and cash awards.

She also distributed jute bags sponsored by the Urban Development Department.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]