DC exhorts Amargarh villagers to check degradation of environment

Office-bearers and activists of social and constitutional bodies vowed to transform the theme for World Cleanup Day 2025, ‘Strive for Five’, into a reality by organising events to sensitise residents about the causes and consequences of degradation of environment by excessive generation of garbage.

An oath was taken in response to an appeal made by Deputy Commissioner, Malerkotla, Viraj S Tidke during district-level events held at Jhalla and Banbhaura villages of Amargarh segment.

“Fortunately, the people of Punjab have been following the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev who advocated, ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat’ and are easy to be convinced about the rationale behind keeping the environment clean,” said Tidke, calling upon office-bearers and activists of organisations to ensure that a maximum number of residents associate with the administration’s campaign to keep the environment clean.

Tidke also stressed on the need to shun stubble burning as it destroys soil, besides polluting air and water.

Bipan Sethi, president of the local unit of an international service organisation, said workshops and seminars are being held to sensitise residents about implementing a ban on single-use plastics so that the generation of garbage is minimised.

Sanitary Superintendent for Ahmedgarh, Raikot and Amargarh, Harpreet Singh said efforts had been made to convert solid waste into a source of income by properly segregating them into recyclable and non-recyclable components.

“We have suggested to all civic bodies to either purchase or hire balers so that recyclable components can be sold after making bales,” said Singh.

ADC Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu said elected members of civic bodies and leaders of social organisations had been roped in to organise events regularly for sensitising residents of their respective areas about various aspects of Swachh Bharat Mission with special focus on more efficient management of solid waste.

The United Nations launched its formal recognition of the World Cleanup Day in 2023 with the adoption of a resolution proclaiming September 20 as the official observance day and inviting global participation in cleanup activities.

The ‘Strive for Five’ theme encourages communities to reach a high level of engagement to care for the plants and drive long-term change extending beyond a single day of activity.