- UP govt embarks on drive to ensure cleanliness during upcoming festivals across the state
- UP govt working towards making Diwali and Chhath celebrations as ‘Zero Plastic, Zero Waste Events’
By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: In view of the upcoming festivals, the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh has started the ‘Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali’ campaign in the state in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this campaign, a pledge has been taken to ensure complete cleanliness during the festivals.
In this sequence, on behalf of the State Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), SOP has been issued to all the Municipal Commissioners to implement various activities like the Clean Diwali Signature Campaign, Swachh Diwali Drives, RRR Centers, Swachh Tyohar, Swachh Sarathi Club, and campaigns against banned plastic products to maintain cleanliness across the state during the upcoming festivals.
Campaigns to be implemented during Diwali are the following:
Signature Campaign: Before and during Diwali, signature campaign will be conducted in all public places (government offices, markets, educational institutions, and others) to support a clean Diwali. Additionally, citizens will be encouraged to visit “mygov.in” to obtain certificates by pledging their support.
Swachh Diwali Reels: All civic bodies will create short video reels lasting 30 to 60 seconds promoting cleanliness with innovative ideas on the occasion of Diwali and post them on their social media pages.
RRR Centres: These centers, present in all civic bodies, will be used during this Swacch Diwali campaign. They will promote the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and create awareness among citizens about cleanliness at home and in their surroundings.
Swachh Tyohar: To celebrate upcoming festivals, single-use plastic will be banned, and use of alternatives like jute bags and cloth bags will be encouraged. On the occasion of Dhanteras, civic bodies will promote the use of local products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. Additionally, they will use LED vans and smart hoardings to broadcast audio and video messages related to cleanliness for ‘Swachh’ Diwali’ celebrations. ‘Jal Diwali’ programs are also planned in 31 civic bodies from November 7 to 9.
Swachh Sarathi Club: In schools, colleges, and universities, various events like rangoli competitions, debates, art competitions, and more will be organized to raise awareness about the Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali campaign. Under this campaign, use of products made from recycled materials will be encouraged by organizing exhibitions at the civic level. Schools, colleges, and university campuses will have twin bins for disposal of garbage, including green bin for wet waste and blue for dry waste. Students will be educated about waste segregation. Competitions for cleanliness will also be held, and those who perform well will be recognized and honored.
Spl campaign to be run to enforce ban on plastic products
Furthermore, a special campaign will be run to enforce a ban on plastic products in the state, such as plastic carry bags as well as disposable cups, glasses, plates, etc. made of plastic or thermocol. Upcoming festivals will be celebrated as ‘Zero Plastic Events’ and ‘Zero Waste Events’. It will be ensured that banned plastic and thermocol products are not used, and separate bins for waste disposal are provided. Moreover, citizens will be educated about the harm caused by the use of plastic products and plastic bags.
Cleanliness campaign will continue till November 25
On the occasion of upcoming festivals, cleanliness campaigns will be carried out at railway stations, bus stands, and other public places to ensure cleanliness. Messages related to cleanliness will be displayed at bus stands and railway stations.
Additionally, beautification and maintenance, along with cleanliness in the state, will be ensured at all intersections of civic bodies. Messages related to cleanliness will be advertised on the walls of public toilets.
Moreover, a special campaign for cleaning the ghats will be conducted on the occasion of Diwali and Chhath Puja. In this regard, a state-level Swachh Ghat competition will also be organized in which the civic bodies doing excellent work will be honoured. Awareness will be raised among sanitation workers, police personnel, and others to maintain cleanliness. Protective gear and masks will be distributed to sanitation workers.
