Fighting terror can wait, but not cleanliness

For a change, the battle hardened security forces replaced their guns with brooms on Monday to realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of clean India.

From Dal Lake to the famed winter resort of Gulmarg, security forces joined the nation in 'Swachhta Hi Seva' under the Swachh Bharat campaign.

Troops of Indian Army embarked on cleanliness drive in the famed resort of Gulmarg in coordination with locals and service providers including ponywalls and others.

"Under Swachh Bharat Mission, we created awareness and launched many programmes involving schools and local people. Painting and poster competitions were held in schools. Gujar Bakerwal dhok (nomads' homes) competition was held. We also held programmes in coordination with Pony Owners Association and Hotel Owners Association in Gulmarg," said Major General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding 19 Infantry Division.

Continuing with the commitment of serving the public, the CRPF organised a cleanliness drive under the Swachh Bharat Mission in which all the Battalions of the Srinagar sector participated.

"It was ensured that the local public and the schoolchildren also participate in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan so that awareness is generated and the message is spread amongst the general public to help the civic bodies in keeping the city clean and beautiful," said Rajesh Yadav, CRPF spokesman for Kashmir.

'Swachhta Hi Sewa' campaign was launched by CRPF from September 15 to October 2, during which special emphasis was given on the cleanliness and beautification of the camps and the surrounding areas.

On the last day of campaign, the Srinagar Sector CRPF led by IGP Ravideep Singh Sahi carried out a special cleanliness drive along the Dal Lake on the Boulevard and the Shankaracharya Hill. Around 500 officers and jawans from all the units of the sector participated.

Addressing the troops Sahi emphasized the CRPF men to help the local public in the best possible manner.

Jammu and Kashmir Police also completed the campaign across the valley on Monday. The drive was conducted in every district of the valley, in which all the officers and officials participated and cleaned their premises and adjacent areas with commitment and devotion. The drive was held in Anantnag, Ganderbal, Shopian, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam and other districts of the valley.