Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 August 2024
In a significant step towards ensuring cleanliness and sustainability across the Union Territory, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has launched an intensive campaign titled ‘Kachra Mukt Panchayat Abhiyan.’ Under the guidance of the Secretary (Rural Development/Panchayat), the campaign is being implemented by the Directorate of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in compliance with directions from the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
The campaign aims to create green and clean villages across the 70 Gram Panchayats in the Islands, striving to rid them of garbage and waste. By promoting visual cleanliness and fostering community participation, the initiative seeks to sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status of villages under the Government of India’s flagship program, Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
The ‘Kachra Mukt Panchayat Abhiyan’ kicked off with a mass cleanliness drive organized uniformly across all 70 Gram Panchayats. The campaign witnessed active participation from PRI representatives at all levels, including Zilla Parishad Members, Panchayat Samiti Members, Pradhans, and Ward Members, who led the efforts at their respective sites. The drive also garnered support from numerous civil society organisations and community members, reflecting a strong commitment to the cause.
As a result of these collective efforts, approximately 2,000 kilograms of segregated dry waste were meticulously collected by the Blocks, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayats, marking a commendable achievement in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier rural environment.
Moving forward, the Panchayats will continue to focus on improving sanitation parameters, with an eye on competing for the top performer status at the Union Territory, District, and Block levels.
The Secretary (Rural Development/Panchayat) expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and PRI members for their unwavering dedication to the initiative. He highlighted that their collective spirit of progress and commitment to rural development efforts will significantly contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the Islands’ communities.