Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 02 2022: The State observed the National Cleanliness Day and paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi today at the Gandhi Memorial Hall here.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh led others in laying wreaths at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, N 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, Biren said.

He added that the non-violent movement is crucial in maintaining peace and is supported by people across the world as there are many countries today which could destroy the world with a single bomb.

It was on October 2, 2014 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

"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.

The Chief Minister also appealed to all against dumping waste on ponds, streets, rivers, lakes but keep all localities clean and hygienic, and further highlighted that cleaning of Imphal River in Kangpokpi area has also begun.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for proper solid waste management at micro level and establishment of 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 Minister Y Khemchand who presided over the function too appealed against dumping garbage and solid waste into rivers and on roads.

"Even though several organizations and local youth groups have launched various Clean Imphal, Clean Manipur, Clean Loktak Lake campaigns, we will not be able to keep our surroundings and environment clean until and unless all of us are aware of the issue", Khemchand said.

Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo, Transport Minister Kashim Vashum, MP Rajya Sabha Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, other high ranking civil and police officials also attended the function.

Artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukanda Dev Government Music College presented both the opening and closing songs.