Idukki district is set to become a model for the State in ensuring cleanliness in public places as it is one of the 150 districts selected to implement the Mahatma Gandhi Yuva Swachhta Maha Abhiyan (MGYSMA) scheme.
As part of the scheme, the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) will organise volunteer camps with participation of youths and the public about cleanliness of public places, including schools, colleges, and hospitals.
NYK coordinator K.Harilal told The Hindu on Wednesday that the Kolani river from Illichary City to its merging point at Thodupuzhayar, a stretch of 12 km, would be cleaned as a pilot project.
“Water conservation and rainwater harvesting also have a place in the scheme devised by the Prime Minister,” he said, adding that there were certain criteria for keeping dignity of labour under the scheme.
The National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps, youth clubs, and residents associations would be part of the endeavour. Machinery would not be used and the selected 380-member group would be given food and support by the Thanal Residents Association for cleaning the river.
Mr. Harilal said local bodies would provide basic funds for the works, which are being taken up voluntarily.
The pilot project would start on March 18, with the Collector formally inaugurating it at Kolani on March 17.
The MGYSMA aims to inculcate a spirit of cooperation and unity among the youth for public well-being. Check-dams, ponds, and public wells can be protected and cleaned as part of the scheme and the beneficiaries will be society as a whole.
Solutions can be found for many social issues through collective action by the youth and the public.
The initiative should come voluntarily, stresses the scheme.
A budget of ₹1 lakh will be allotted by the Centre and the district selected should turn to be a model in water conservation and cleanliness so that it can be emulated in the other districts too. The projects to be taken up will not include cleaning of drainage or streets.
