TAWANG, 29 Aug: More than 350 volunteers participated in a massive cleanliness drive organised here by the Monpa Mimang Tsogpa (MMT), in collaboration with the district administration and the Indian Army, on Saturday.
The drive, aimed at keeping Tawang and its popular tourist destinations clean, hygienic and plastic-free, was carried out along an stretch from Griptsang Tso, beyond Nagula Pass, up to the Giant Buddha statue above the circuit house here.
The participants included members of all four market welfare committees of Tawang, the Tawang police led by OC Inspector Niyi Angu, students, representatives from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rural Works Department (RWD), the DC office, and other volunteers.
Local MLA Namgey Tsering, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, Kyidphel ZPM Tenzin Monpa, ADC Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey and Nawang Thutan, MMT vice president Pema Chowang, secretary Sange Phuntsok Nguimo, social service secretary Tsering Dhondup, and members of WWA Tawang participated in the cleanliness drive, encouraging the volunteers in their collective effort.
The large-scale campaign resulted in the collection of approximately five truckloads of garbage, which was subsequently transported and deposited at the material recovery facility for proper handling and disposal.
During the drive, the DC interacted with Army and BRO officers at various locations and emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in and around their respective establishments and areas of operation. She urged them to conduct weekly cleanliness drives to prevent the accumulation of waste and ensure that the surrounding areas remain clean at all times.
The deputy commissioner also requested the MMT to continue the cleanliness campaign on Sunday, so that the remaining garbage at the tourist locations and along the route can be collected and cleared.
The initiative reflected the spirit of jan bhagidari, bringing together the civil administration, Army, police, government departments, community organisations, students and citizens for a common cause.
With Tawang witnessing increasing tourist footfall, maintaining the pristine beauty of its mountains, lakes, roads and tourist destinations is a shared responsibility. The drive also carried a strong message to residents and visitors alike to avoid single-use plastics, refrain from littering, and dispose of waste responsibly. (DIPRO)
