Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu leads post-Chhath cleanliness drive

Marking the conclusion of Chhath Puja festivities, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu led a large-scale cleanliness drive at Chandigarh’s Sector 42 lake on Sunday. The lake was the main venue where nearly 80,000 devotees from Bihar and Purvanchal had offered prayers to the Sun God during the four-day festival. About 200 volunteers joined Sandhu in clearing puja materials and waste left behind after the celebrations organised by Purvanchal Welfare Association.

Wielding a broom himself, the MP led efforts to restore cleanliness across the lake’s banks, stairs, parks, and parking area. The drive, which began around 9 am and continued until late afternoon, also saw Sandhu felicitate sanitation workers for their contribution.

Calling Chhath Puja “a great example of dedication, faith, and cleanliness”, Sandhu extended his wishes to devotees and lauded the Purvanchal community for their role in enriching Chandigarh’s cultural and civic life. “As our brothers and sisters from Purvanchal celebrate here, it becomes our responsibility to restore the cleanliness of the place,” he said.

The MP also urged citizens to uphold the ideals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission. “Together, we can achieve a cleaner, greener, and more resilient India,” he said, noting that Chandigarh had recently risen to second place among big cities in the 2024-25 Swachh Survekshan rankings, up from 11th the previous year.

Office-bearers of Purvanchal Welfare Association felicitated Sandhu for his sustained efforts toward cleanliness drives in the city. They said the blessings of Chhathi Maiya would continue to inspire him to contribute to public welfare initiatives.