Swachhta Pakhwada at Southern Naval Command

Swachhta Pakhwada at Southern Naval Command
(1-15 December 2019)

SNC unedrtook a campaign to create greater awareness among the naval community towards preservation of the environment, with special focus on the ills of single Use Plastic from 01 to 15 December 2019 . Over 500 hours of efforts were made during the fortnight-long campaign in conducting cleanliness and awareness programmes, including observance of a no vehicle day to reduce carbon footprint. A Swachhta Shapath to save the environment, English and Hindi debates, Essay Writing and Painting Competitions, a Nukkad Natak, and lectures on cleanliness and hygiene practices were conducted to spread the message of Swachh Bharat. A 250 km Cyclothon named ‘Chilka Lake Parikrama’ was organised by INS Chilka and INHS Nivarini to promote cleanliness and hygiene and create awareness among the local populace living around Chilka Lake of the harmful effects of single-use plastic on living (including human) beings. A special plogging drive with the theme ‘Plastic se Raksha – Swachhta hi Suraksha’ was conducted by all naval units of the Command on 07 December 2019, which saw students from various schools, colleges, NCC Cadets and civilian volunteers also participating besides the naval community. Naval Base, Kochi has also taken the initiative to rejuvenate water bodies and protect biodiversity close to residential areas by cleaning the Venduruthy Channel in Kochi and Vellayani Lake at Thiruvanthapuram carrying out extensive tree plantation. Similar drives were also undertaken at outstation units – Hamla, Chilka, Lonavla and Valsura – by undertaking clean-up of the beach and lakefront near their respective establishments. Approximately 15,000 naval personnel, DSC jawans, defence civilians, families and children participated with great enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility in the Pakhwada, which achieved its aims of spreading awareness and making India a cleaner place.