Excelsior Correspondent
Katra, Sept 24: In alignment with the nationwide Sewa Parv initiative and the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in collaboration with the local administration and Jammu & Kashmir Police, today launched a comprehensive cleanliness drive for the Banganga rivulet.
The cleanliness initiative was undertaken as per the directions of the Chairman, SMVDSB, and LG Manoj Sinha and was spearheaded by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB.
The drive witnessed the active participation of senior officers including Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO; Paramvir Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi; Satish Kumar Sharma, Joint CEO; Piyush Dhotra, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Katra; Vipan Chandran, Superintendent of Police, Katra; along with Deputy CEO, Assistant CEOs, Assistant Conservator of Forests, officials of the Shrine Board, local administration, JK Police, prominent citizens, volunteers and residents of Katra.
Participants collectively engaged in the removal of litter, debris and silt from the rivulet and also took the Swachhta Pledge to reaffirm their commitment to cleanliness.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer emphasized that the Banganga rivulet, being an integral part of the pilgrimage route, must remain pristine and pollution-free. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the holy town including Yatra Marg and urged locals and pilgrims to cooperate in keeping the area clean.
The CEO reiterated the Board’s commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness and sustainability, expressing hope that such initiatives would inspire lasting positive change and contribute meaningfully to the realization of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Notably, the Shrine Board has undertaken several pioneering initiatives to ensure sanitation and environmental conservation along the pilgrimage track and across the Trikuta Hills. These include the establishment of a mule dung-based biogas plant at Banganga, installation of Sewage Treatment Plants at multiple locations for effective wastewater management, construction of water harvesting ponds, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, and afforestation drives.
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