The 22nd edition of Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan being undertaken by the Ramakrishna Mutt every Sunday saw areas around Jyothi Circle and Balmatta-Collector Gate area in the city cleaned and spruced up.
The drive saw participation by more than 450 volunteers, comprising devotees, well-wishers of the Mutt, NSS volunteers, Red Cross members, students from colleges in the surrounding area and students from Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, said a release from the Mutt.
Ten teams formed
The organisers formed 10 teams of volunteers who undertook different tasks such as cleaning compound walls, and clearing drains and roads. B. Ramanath, Principal of Government First Grade College, Balmatta, flagged off the drive in the presence of area councillor A.C. Vinayraj, MLC Ganesh Karnik, Mutt Adhyaksha Swami Jitakamanandaji and others.
The volunteers cleared posters pasted on the compound walls of the First Grade College as well as the entrance gate. They repainted the entrance gate too in the process.
Debris cleared
Construction debris dumped since long near the Collector’s Gate and the First Grade College were removed with the help of an earth mover, and the ground was levelled, opening up space for public utilities.
The direction board on the Arya Samaja road, which was worn out, was repainted and given a facelift. Volunteers also distributed the Swacch Mangaluru Awareness pamphlets among the residents and public in the area.
This cleanliness drive was preceded by a Swacch Manas programme held at the Ramakrishna Mutt on Saturday. Swami Jitakamananda had addressed about 80 students about the different dimensions of the Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan, after briefing them about the Ashram, its activities and its role in the cleanliness campaign.
