DIMAPUR — Responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a nationwide cleanliness drive ahead of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, as a tribute to the Father of the Nation, people of Nagaland state took part in the programme by cleaning the streets, public spaces and localities on Saturday.
The government of Nagaland decided to conduct the cleanliness drive in the state a day ahead of the rest of the country amid uproar from several organisations, as October 1 falls on a Sunday, which is a day of worship for Christians.
Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan launched the one-hour cleanliness drive at the Raj Bhavan junction in Kohima by cleaning the compound and the surrounding areas along with officials from Raj Bhavan.
The district administration led by Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Shanavas, and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) led by its administrator Lanusenla L. Peseyie joined the drive on ground, updated DIPR.
The ward panchayats, sector sanitation committee, security personnel, students and the general public participated in cleaning the wards, colonies and business establishments in the state capital, it added.
The governor, in his message, said “cleanliness is next to godliness” and that sanitation can prevent most of the major health problems, according to an update from PRO Raj Bhavan.
Urging the people to maintain cleanliness in their homes, surroundings and streets to prevent diseases, he said the sanitation drive is only a symbolic one. He added that ‘people should make cleanliness a habit and part of their daily lifestyle’.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to X to thank the people of the state for active participation in the sanitation campaign.
‘Nagaland joins the rest of the country for Swachhata Hi Seva campaign for a cleaner and healthier India. I thank the citizens of Nagaland who turned out in large numbers for the country-wide campaign. Grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for spearheading the campaign,’ he wrote.
Nagaland joins the rest of the country for #SwachhataHiSeva campaign for a cleaner and healthier India. I thank the citizens of Nagaland who turned out in large numbers for the country-wide campaign. Grateful to @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Ji for spearheading the campaign. pic.twitter.com/WeRwZ4kjoz
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 30, 2023
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