Manipur observed the National Cleanliness Day paying homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, today at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal. Chief Minister N Biren Singh led others at a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the function, CM Biren highlighted the contributions made by the Father of Nation for the country and in achieving independence from the British.
The Father of the Nation is today revered across the world because of his non-violent movement, CM Biren said. He added that the non-violent movement is crucial in maintaining peace and is supported by people across the world as today there are many countries which could destroy the world with single bombs.
This year we are celebrating the 153rd Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the chief minister said, adding that it was on October 2, 2014 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
CM Biren also observed that the ideals and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi are meaningless if we are unable to implement them or turn them into actions. Today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various schemes for the welfare of the people including construction of sanitary latrines and provision of drinking water are being taken up across the country, he added.
Taking the advantage of the day, the chief minister also appealed to all against dumping waste on our ponds, streets, rivers, lakes, to keep our localities clean and hygienic, and further highlighted that cleaning of Imphal River in Kangpokpi area has also begun.
The chief minister also addressed the need to maintain proper Solid Waste Management on a micro level and maintain Solid Waste dumping sites in all districts under the watch and supervision of the District Commissioners in coordination with the local MLAs. Until we maintain small-scale dumping sites in the districts, it will be hard to control dumping of garbage or waste into our rivers, the chief minister said.
MAHUD, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Y Khemchand who presided over the function raised awareness against dumping garbage and solid waste into our rivers and roads. The Minister also said that today several organizations, local youth groups are launching various Clean Imphal, Clean Manipur, Clean Loktak Lake campaigns, however, unless we all become aware of the issue, we cannot keep our surroundings and environment clean.
Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Minister Awangbou Newmai, Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Minister Heikham Dingo, Minister Kashim Vashum, MP Rajya Sabha Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, other high ranking civil and police officials also attended the function. Artistes of the Bal Mukanda Dev Government Music College performed the opening and closing songs.
