ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The Department of Urban Development and Housing under Swachh Bharat Mission [Urban] conducted a ' Walkathon' from Dera Natung Govt. College to Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre, IG Park Itanagar on February 21. The Walkathon was conducted as a part of Statehood Day celebration to create awareness among public on the negative impact of single use plastic. The theme of the walkathon was "Arunachal against single use Plastic". The event was participated by around 600 people including students from DNGC led by its Principal Dr. NT. Rikam, Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic, VKV, CRPF personnel, officials from Department of UD & Housing, women and men from all sections of society.
The Walkathon was flagged off by Minster [Urban Development], Kamlung Mossang. While participating In the event, the Minister requested the participants to develop the habit of maintaining cleanliness. He said that the administration has already imposed ban on single use plastic in the state.  He further appreciated the women for their roles In maintaining cleanliness in comparison to their male counterparts. He cited the example of Mechukha town, where local people are more conscious about the cleanliness whereas the tourist coming from outside litters garbage which need sensitization. He also quoted example of Myanmar where people are more advanced than our country in terms of habit of cleanliness and better sanitation. According to him, any society which is disciplined, will develop and progress eventually in all aspects of life.
He said that the present Govt. under the leadership of Pema Khandu is making all efforts to address the issue of waste management. He informed the participants that 50 garbage lifting vehicles under Make in India Programme which were procured through GeM Portal has been flagged off by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister on Statehood Day. These 50 vehicles are equipped with PA System and sent to all 33 urban towns of the state for sanitation duties. Additional 98 numbers of vehicles are on the way and will be distributed to all urban towns of the state. He also informed that about Rs. 15.00 Crores is sanctioned by the State Govt. to augment the number of Safal Karmacharis.
He requested the participants to spread the message of Swacchta to their family members, neighbors and locality so that the message of maintaining cleanliness can eventually spread across our state.
Earlier, Dr. Sonal Swaroop, IAS, Secretary [Urban Development & Housing] welcomed the participants to the movement against single use plastic. She exhorted the participants to phase out the use of single use plastic and instead use other better alternatives such as cotton and jute bags. To remove plastic is a long term vision and already this Walkathon is an inspiration for the people of the state which will enhance the awareness on negative impact of single use plastic, she said.
The Cash Prizes of Rs.20,000/- [1st] Rs.15,000/- [2nd ], Rs.10,000/- (3rd ] for both male and female participants and consolation prizes to 5 [five] persons along-with certificates were given away by the Minister, Secretary [UD], Chief Engineer [UD] and SSW [UD&H] at Dorjee Khandu State Convention Hall.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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