ITANAGAR : The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Friday conducted a social service and cleanliness drive at IG Park, removing and disposing of several truckloads of accumulated waste from different parts of the park.
Participating in the programme, Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja appealed to citizens to actively contribute towards maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. He said the IMC regularly undertakes cleanliness drives not only to improve sanitation but also to create public awareness about the importance of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
“Living in a clean and green environment promotes good health and helps prevent various diseases. We must also encourage our children to adopt cleanliness as a way of life,” the minister said.
Raja lauded the efforts of the IMC team led by Mayor Tamme Phassang and Deputy Mayor Biri Basang for their commitment towards improving sanitation and maintaining cleanliness in the capital region.
Highlighting ongoing environmental initiatives, the minister referred to the river rejuvenation programme being implemented across the state and noted that it has witnessed encouraging public participation in places including Itanagar and Ziro. He stressed that community involvement remains essential for the success of such initiatives.
Raja further informed that proposals have been submitted to the Finance Commission for development of public amenities, including construction of public toilets and related facilities. He said the government has proposed establishment of such facilities along the Banderdewa-Hollongi corridor covering Nirjuli, Naharlagun and Itanagar, and assured that the matter would be pursued with Chief Minister Pema Khandu for early implementation.
The minister also stated that the cleanliness drive formed part of programmes being organised to mark 11 years of the state government’s governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and 12 years of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He called upon citizens to work collectively for public welfare and the continued development of the state.
Itanagar Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, IMC Commissioner Kego Jilen, corporators, ward members, social workers, community leaders, IMC staff and residents participated in the cleanliness drive.
