Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of the Indian Swachhata League and Swachhta Fortnight celebration, as part of the “Keeping India Garbage-Free” campaign, the “Keep Bhubaneswar Garbage-Free” initiative was celebrated today in Bhubaneswar.
A mass cleaning and walkathon event, stretching from CRP Square to Ekamra Park, was organized to mark the occasion. The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Mayor Sulochana Das, Deputy Mayor Manjulata Kanhara, Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange, Olympian and BMC Brand Ambassador Anuradha Biswal, Standing Committee Chairman Biranchi Narayana Mahasupakara, local corporators, Additional Commissioner Suryavanshi Mayur Vikash, Laxmikanta Sethi, Subhendu Kumar Sahu, Deputy Commissioner Manoranjan Sahu, Ramesh Chandra Jena, along with deputy commissioners from three zones and the BMC team. Many local citizens and social workers also joined the walkathon.
The celebration featured a mesmerizing performance of “Kandhei Nacha” (Doll’s Dance) by Ganjam’s Digapahandi Bichitra Barnali Natya Sansada, which captivated the audience.
The Mayor emphasized that the campaign to keep Bhubaneswar garbage-free would extend beyond Swachhta Fortnight, incorporating community mobilization.
Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange stressed the importance of community mobilization in beautifying the main roads and internal lanes of the city. He urged everyone to continue this drive to enhance the city’s livability.
A massive cleaning drive took place at the historical tourism sites of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, with a focus on plastic waste removal. The BMC team, along with the Satwiksoul Foundation, collected 60 kg of plastic during the event and administered an oath to discontinue the use of plastics. Zonal Deputy Commissioner Rabi Narayana Jethi and local corporators presided over this awareness campaign.
Another extensive cleaning drive was conducted at Sikharchandi, where a tractorload of plastic waste was collected. Nearly 100 individuals, including Swachh Sathis, Swachh Supervisors, social worker groups, CRPF staff, joined this endeavor. Mayor and Commissioner also planted trees at this location. The entire program was facilitated by Zonal Deputy Commissioner Shri Purandar Nanda.
To promote the message of a plastic and garbage-free Bhubaneswar, a drawing competition was organized at Indira Gandhi Park. Participants from BK College of Art and Crafts and Dhauli Art College pledged to keep Bhubaneswar garbage-free. The event was coordinated by Zonal Deputy Commissioner Priyabrata Padhi, with support from BMC’s SBA cell.