In new role, third gender spreads swachhta message

Aakanksha N Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 19

“Babu plastic da lifafa na nikaal, jug jug jiye tera lal, gandgi dukaan vicho nikaal, jug jug jiye tera lal, plastic de lifafe cancer da ghar, har praani jaaye mar.”

Third gender members dressed in an orange outfit singing this boli in markets of the city are drawing the attention.

They are on a mission to educate city residents on the importance of keeping the city and the harmful effects of plastic. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Municipal Corporation has roped in the third gender to create awareness.

They have also been advising people to segregate dry waste from wet waste.

The initiative that started on Thursday has picked up pace. Every day, third gender members visit different areas to spread the message. And it is showing results. Their style is not only attracting eyeballs, but also convincing residents to effect a change and shun the use of plastic.

“Aao ji aao, gol gappe khaao, tikkiya khaao, par jaande jaande galati na kar jaao, plate dustbin vich pa jaao.”

This is how members of the third gender convince people to throw the waste in dustbins while dancing on drumbeats.

Third gender members Pooja, Payal, Pammi, Ria and Naina are happy to be part of the initiative.

Social worker Ramanpreet Kaur, who is the coordinator of the programme, says it is the brainchild of MC Commissioner Diprava Lakra and Additional Commissioner Babita Kler.

“I write the bolis and make them practice. But they improvise depending on the situation. They are being trained on how to approach those throwing the waste in the open and using plastic,” she adds.