Leh, Oct 01: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) flagged off the cleanliness drive on the occasion of Swachhata Diwas celebration under the theme Garbage-Free Ladakh as a run-up to the Swachhata Pakhwada-Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 campaign, at the Leh Main Market. Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta- the one-hour cleaning drive was aimed to bring about visible improvements in hygiene and sanitation.
Commending the people of Ladakh, particularly the elderly people, for preserving the rich tradition, heritage and culture of the region, the HLG stated that today’s cleanliness drive should not remain notional or as an act of demonstration but rather the day should be celebrated as a day of duty and determination. Stating that around 1700 passengers come to Ladakh in approximately 13 flights in the summer months to see the rich and unique culture, heritage and traditions of the region. He also stated that the influx of these tourists will cease if we do not keep our surroundings clean. He advised that the homestay owners should give a good presentation to the guests so that they go back to their respective places with good memories from Ladakh.
The HLG stated that people should resolve to keep their surroundings clean every day and they must make an effort to pick up garbage wherever they find littered areas to keep Leh clean. He also stated that stray animals roaming on roads and streets cause a lot of inconvenience to the public. He asked everyone for a collective effort to keep the surroundings clean to leave a lasting impression and send a positive message to tourists who visit Ladakh.
The HLG shared the Administration’s plan to send cultural troupes comprising boys and girls to different States and UTs to celebrate the UT Ladakh Foundation Day on a grand scale and to showcase the region’s rich culture and heritage across the country. He reiterated his motto to make Ladakh Corruption and Delay-Free and sought people’s cooperation in this regard. The HLG also informed about his meeting with the Hon’ble Defence Minister and the request made to him to implement the Udaan scheme in Leh, Kargil and Thoise for the convenience of the people of Ladakh, especially in the winter months when the national highways are closed and there is a limited operation of private airlines in Ladakh.
Principal Secretary, Shri Sanjeev Khirwar, spoke on the Swachhata Pakhwada-Swachhata hi Seva 2023 Campaign and its significance.
The participants also took the pledge to keep the surroundings clean.
Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign is being celebrated from 15th September to 2nd October, 2023 for undertaking Shramdaan activities aiming to generate jan andolan through community participation; to provide impetus on implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) as a prelude for the Swachh Bharat Diwas (2nd October) with nationwide participation.
Advisor to HLG, Dr Pawan Kotwal; Principal Secretary, Shri Sanjeev Khirwar; Secretary to HLG, Shri Ravinder Kumar; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shri Santosh Sukhadeve; President, Municipal Committee Leh, Dr Ishey Namgyal; government employees and volunteers took part in the cleanliness drive.
