Swachh Bharat takes centre-stage on 5th Raahgiri day in Odisha capital

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Bhubaneswar, Feb 14:

With Odisha capital confirmed a top slot among the 75 cleanest cities of India under the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to make cleanliness drive the focal point of the fifth Raahgiri Day celebrated in Bhubaneswar today.

Thousands of people gathered on the stretch between Master Canteen square and Ram Temple square of the city this morning to celebrate their love for cleanliness and a healthy lifestyle this Valentines’ Day.

As per information provided by BMC, while a fine of Rs 700 was collected from three violators; 21 others- who failed to pay the fine – were given roses so that it serves as a reminder before they make the city dirty again.

Apart from the cleanliness drive, the Raahgiri day carried over the usual fun cum awareness programmes quite like the previous raahgiri celebrations.

Selfie counters were introduced for the first at strategic locations. As expected, they proved to be big crowd pullers as people from all walks of life came forward to take snaps with various interesting backgrounds.

While Wildies – a group working for conservation and wildlife –  was seen organising quiz competition among participants, Humara Bachpan – a social service organisation working in the field of children welfare – was seen promoting ‘puchi’ and game of marbles to give the participants a feel of Odisha’s traditional games.

Present on the occasion, BJD Dhenkanal MP Tathagat Satpathy urged denizens to have smart thinking towards solid waste management in the city.

Apart from Satpathy, Housing and Urban Development Minister Puspendra Singh Deo, Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena and MLA (North) Priyadarshi Mishra were present on the occasion.

Besides, Smart City brand ambassador and popular actress Archita Sahoo and actor Sabyasachi Mishra were also seen cheering the crowd and promoting walking and cycling for a healthy living.