Municipal Corporation goes green, celebrates ‘swachh deepostav’
With the aim of invoking the cultural significance of Diwali in alignment with the Swachh Bharat Mission, the municipal corporation (MC) celebrated ‘swachh deepotsav’ today at the Sector 17 plaza. This event marked the city launch of the ‘Swachh Diwali-Shubh Diwali’ campaign (October 28 to November 3), emphasizing the principles of ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata’, following its national launch by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
Mayor Kuldeep Kumar, MC Commissioner Amit Kumar, along with councillors, MC officials, safaimitras, SBM brand ambassador Praveen Duggal, self-help groups and residents initiated the campaign by lighting 600 ‘govardhan diyas’, spreading the message of celebrating a green and sustainable Diwali.
Women self-help groups created vibrant rangolis with symbolic representations of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The “Swachh Diwali-Shubh Diwali” theme conveyed messages of cleanliness, community engagement and empowerment while promoting the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.
The Mayor stated, “This Diwali, let us not only celebrate the festival of lights but also commit ourselves to the principles of cleanliness and sustainability. Together, we can ensure a cleaner and greener Chandigarh for future generations.”
The MC Commissioner emphasised that a massive city-wide cleanliness drive led by safaimitras and residents was already underway to spread the message of cleanliness.
Additionally, stalls have been set up by self-help groups at the carnival and exhibitions to promote community empowerment and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly products. Reduce, reuse and recycle collection points have been established in all 35 wards at community centres, encouraging people to donate items such as clothes, toys, books and electronics.
