Cleanliness drive at Lingdong

DIKCHU, 11 July:  A massive cleanliness drive was undertaken on Friday starting from Lingdong village and moving up to Sangkalang forest check post in Upper Dzongu. The cleanliness drive was undertaken by the Forest Department under the aegis of ACF (T), TW Lachungpa and was also joined by Zilla Panchayat Lingdong-Borfok GPU, panchayat secretary, Norgay Lepcha, RO, Norden Zango along with the forest officials and the public of Lingdong

Cleanliness drive at 6th Mile Tadong

GANGTOK, 30 June: As part of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014, a cleanliness drive was organised at  6th Mile, Tadong on 29 June under the guidance of BK Tewari [IFS Retd], RP Sharma [DFO], GB Chhetri [Technical Officer] of the Forest Department.
A press release informs, members of “Pragati” social organization, local residents of the area and officials from Gangtok Forest Territorial Range headed by Tenzing Norbu Bhutia [ACF] and Anuj Gurung [Range Officer] along with Forest Guards participated in cleaning the premises of the proposed community centre, Lamichaney Jhora and portion of NH31A at 6th Mile Tadong. Despite the rains the cleaning programme was carried out with zeal and enthusiasm by all participants, the release adds.

Cleanliness drive at RM&DD complex

GANGTOK, 24 June: A cleanliness drive was conducted by the RM&DD at its office complex on 23 June. The cleanliness drive was led by Minister RMDD, SB Subedi, Secretary RMDD, DR Nepal along with all officers and staff of the department, informs a press release.
During the cleanliness drive which started at 3:00 pm, the drains and the area around the RMDD complex were cleaned. This was done as part of the week-long Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 to generate awareness on importance of cleanliness, zero waste and sanitation, the release informs.
In keeping with the theme of environment conservation, tea was served in earthen pots [matka] instead of styrofoam or paper cups on the day.
Earlier on 20 June, a plantation drive was also conducted by the department at RMDD Store complex at Lumsay, it is informed.

Plantation and cleanliness drive at Sikkim Science Centre

GANGTOK, 20 June [IPR]: In a joint initiative by the Department of Forests Environment & Wildlife Management, Science & Technology Department, and Mines Minerals & Geology Department of the Government of Sikkim, a massive plantation cum cleanliness drive was organised this morning at the premises of Sikkim Science Centre, Marchak.
The initiative was part of the ongoing 'Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014', a fortnight-long campaign launched by the Government of Sikkim for maintaining the clean and green status of the State.
The plantation drive which was jointly led by PCCF (Environment) Forest Department, Dr. Anil Mainra, Secretary Science & Technology, PT Ethenpa and Secretary Mines & Geology Department, BN Sharma. Senior officers of all the three departments were also present.
Similarly, on 15 June a plantation and cleanliness drive was undertaken at Namthang Primary Health Center Complex. Area MLA, Tilu Gurung along with senior officers and local public actively participating in the plantation and cleanliness drive.

Melli Bazaar celebrates Paryavaran Mahotsav with cleanliness drive

GANGTOK, 15 June: As part of Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014 celebration a cleanliness drive was carried out at Melli Bazaar, South Sikkim today. The drive was jointly organized by Melli Dara-Paiyong GPU and Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Deptt.

A press release informs that all the residents of Melli Bazaar, Police personnel, members of Bazaar Management Committee (BMC), Aaryan NGO actively participated in this drive. During the cleanliness drive of over three hours, people collected non-biodegradable materials from the entire Melli Bazaar area.

Melli Bazaar Panchayat, Milan Chettri on behalf of Gram Panchayat and Forest Department has thanked all for their participation and also urged all to keep Melli Bazaar clean, the release adds.

Cleanliness drive sweeps from 3rd Mile to Tsomgo

GANGTOK, 09 June: A cleanliness drive was organised on World Environment Day on 05 June from 3rd Mile to Sherathang and Tsomgo.
As per a press release the drive was organised by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Police Check Post, Sherathang, in coordination with the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Pokhari Sangrakshan Samiti (PSS), J.N. Road Taxi Association, Luxury Vehicle Owners’ Association, TAAS, SAATO, SUTO, 129 RCC GREF and Tsomgo Traders and Shopping Association.
The team led by the Tourism Department started the cleanliness drive from 3rd Mile and proceeded towards Tsomgo lake. After reaching Tsomgo, the team was divided into groups and thorough cleaning of the lake premises was carried out, the release informs.
The drive also saw the team requesting all taxi drivers to spread the message for a clean environment and to discourage tourists from littering. The Tourism officials also conducted a surprise check of the Yak joy ride rates around Tsomgo lake.
Further, the team also interacted with some tourists and spread the message for a litter free Tsomgo lake. The garbage so collected from the drive was brought back down to Gangtok in a truck, for proper disposal, the release mentions.
After the drive, Trekking Officer, Tourism Department, Tsewang Ngodup presented the vote of thanks, acknowledging the cooperation rendered by all the participating Departments, NGOs and stakeholders.

Pre-monsoon cleanliness drive sweeps through Namchi

NAMCHI, 06 June [IPR]: Subsequent to the successful state level World Environment Day Celebrations on 05 June, a mass cleanliness drive was organized by South District Administration in collaboration with UD&HD and PWD in Namchi town today.
The pre-monsoon cleanliness drive was organized with the prime objective of dealing with problems such as clearing unwanted weed, clogged drains, garbage clearance and other sewage related problems in order to keep the surrounding areas of Namchi dirt free and encourage the same attitude amongst the locals.
The drive saw active participation from DAC officials, employees from departments namely UD&HD, IPR, SPWD, PHE, Buildings & Housing, Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Irrigation and Flood Control, Horticulture, Sports, HRDD, Social Welfare, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, DHH, DESME, Food Security & Agriculture, Nutrition; Police and Fire personnel, NMC; Taxi Driver’s Association and the Hawkers Trade Association.
ADM (South), Kapil Meena initiated the cleanliness drive at 10:30 am by briefing the gathering about the program thereby laying directives to work in their deputed areas under a supervisory officer. Areas extending from DC office premises to Central Park and Housing Colony as well as Power complex and Bhanjyang road were cleaned extensively.
Likewise, the Taxi Drivers' Association and the Hawkers' Trade Association took up a well-organized cleanliness drive in the car parking plaza and Dambudara vegetable complex respectively.
The DAC has expressed their appreciation to all the departments, particularly the Taxi Drivers' Association and the Hawkers' trade Association for their active involvement in the cleanliness drive. ADM (South) has further, notified that a meeting to discuss and deploy matters relating to garbage disposal and waste management will be held in the coming days. The cleanliness activity that commenced in the early hours of morning came to an end in the late afternoon on the same day.

Cleanliness drive by Black Cat Gunners and APS students

GANGTOK, 27 May: A cleanliness drive was undertaken by the Black Cat Gunners involving school children from Army Public School and Enchey Senior Secondry School in line with its mission for a ‘cleaner and greener’ earth as part of the ongoing Eco Awareness Campaign.
As per a press release, the drive started from Tashi View Point and attracted a large number of school children, teachers and parents. This action oriented drive witnessed clearing of roadside garbage and clearing of clogged drains on the road leading up to Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. Local residents were also urged to keep their surroundings clean.
The children who displayed placards, reminded the tourists, passerbys and drivers of the significance of Sustainable Development coupled with a ‘pollution free’ environment if the natural beauty of the Earth is to be preserved. The popular tourist spot presented a perfect setting for spreading the message of a ‘greener & cleaner earth’.
With a strength of 50 participants, the drive was a huge success with even the locals joining in for the noble cause, the release adds.

Cleanliness drive at Sawney Ayurvedic Orthopedic Hospital

GANGTOK, 09 Feb: A cleanliness drive was conducted at the Ayurvedic Orthopedic Hospital ar Sawney, West Pendam, East Sikkim on Saturday under the guidance of Pastor CP Rai and Regina Rai along with the members of Bethsaida Christian Church.
A press release informs that social worker from Sawney, Harka Subba also participated in the drive along with church members. Since patients from different corners of the state come to the Ayurvedic Orthopedic hospital, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is important, the release mentions.
The hospital management has thanked all the volunteers for their active participation in the drive.

Nirman Samaj conducts cleanliness drive at Dambudara

NAMCHI, 08 Jan: Nirman Samaj of Dambudara Namchi, South Sikkim conducted a cleanliness drive along the road leading to Namchi Government College on 05 January.
The cleanliness drive was led by Chairman Ecclesiastical department, Lakpa Ghising who is also the Chief Advisor of the Samaj. Tons of garbage in the form of plastic bags, water bottles and other waste had been piling up along the road.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr Ghising said that it is everybody’s responsibility to keep the area neat and clean. Despite the state government’s ban on plastic, it is still being used in other forms like food packaging which should be checked, he said. This is our way of acknowledging and supporting the state government’s efforts to keep Sikkim clean and green, Mr Ghising added.
President of the Samaj, NS Pandey said that Dambudara is very close to Namchi bazaar and Namchi Government College and more than 300 families reside in this area. Since there is no road connectivity in this area, there is no garbage collection system which has resulted in huge amounts of waste lying around, he informed.
Highlighting various problems being faced by the people of the area, he appealed to the state government to connect the area with roads since the lack of road connectivity is one of the major problems.
It was also informed that the Samaj formed a new executive body recently. The body comprises of NS Pandey as president, DB Rai as vice president, Deo Kr. Chettri as general secretary, Krishna Pouryal as joint secretary, Bijay Basnett as treasurer, Lakpa Ghising as treasurer, Kamal Chettri, Dil Kumar Chettri, Tara Chand Chettri as advisors and Damber Chettri as publicity secretary.

Cleanliness drive at Samdruptse by Government Drivers Association of Namchi

NAMCHI, 04 Oct: With the view to improve garbage management in the area and spread the message of keeping our surroundings neat and clean, the Government Drivers Association of Namchi conducted a cleanliness drive today here at Samdruptse area in South Sikkim. The team was headed by the association’s president, Denzong Tamang and comprised of other members of the association.
President, Mr. Tamang informed that their association is continuously conducting such drives and other social activities apart from their daily duties. Since the Guru Vajra recitation is set to begin from Saturday at the statue of Guru Padmasambhava, a huge number of devotees are expected to turn up at Samdruptse, the association decided to clean up the area, he further informed. Mr Tamang also urged visitors and tourists to not litter the area.

Rhenock PHC gets a clean-up

GANGTOK, 03 Oct: The staff of Rhenock Primary Health Centre came together on 02 October to clean up the PHC and its surroundings. The PHC staff headed by Medical Officer In-charge, Dr. Angila Dorjee and Dental Surgeon, Dr Raman Sharma along with ASHA under Rhenock cleaned all the wards of the PHC including the labour room. The objective of the cleaning up exercise was to prevent the spread of diseases and for the benefit of patients, it is informed.

Massive cleanliness drive undertaken at Dikchu

MANGAN, 03 Oct:  A massive cleanliness drive was undertaken at Dikchu Bazaar on 02 October under the initiative of Dikchu Bazaar committee along with Dikchu Youth Welfare Association with the participation of the general public as well. The market and its surrounding areas were cleaned on the day.
The cleanliness drive was also joined by Panchayat President, BB Gurung along with the In-charge Dikchu Police Out Post, DR Chettri.  A short awareness programme was conducted after the drive where the people were urged to keep their surroundings clean. In his short speech, the Panchayat President appealed to all the people to discourage children from throwing litter everywhere and appealed for proper use of the garbage pit.  
“Unless, we do not set an example our children will not learn their civic responsibilities”, said Mr Gurung. Earlier, the function was welcomed by Chung Chung Tongden Lepcha and ended with the vote of thanks by Jigmee Lepcha.

CLEANLINESS DRIVE AT LOWER PANIHOUSE

SHARE [Self Help and Recycle Employment] Group, a Deorali-based self help group consisting of 40-plus members, undertook a cleanliness drive at Lower Panihouse here on Sunday.
The main reason was to spread wider awareness about Dengue among the people and SHARE members handed out pamphlets issued by the Health Department about Dengue and other diseases people need to take precautions against. The drive was supported by Bineeta Rai, Triptis, Hotel Deorali, Bhansari Lodge and the residents of Lower Panihouse, an official communiqué from SHARE informs.

Cleanliness drive to keep Dengue away from Namchi

NAMCHI, 22 Sept: As follow-up action to the meeting held on 19 September initiated by SDM Namchi, Ravindra Kumar regarding preventive measures to be taken up to guard against Dengue in Namchi, a massive cleanliness drive was carried out today around Central Park, United Studio, Hospital, Car Parking Plaza, Bhutia Basti, Housing Complex and Goskhan.
Departments like UD&HD, NMC, Roads & Bridges, Fire, and Forest along with the District Administration carried out the cleanliness drive in these areas. Five teams were formed headed by the officials of the respective departments wherein each department provided manpower and cleaning equipments while the Fire department provided its fire truck to hose down the clogged drains.
SDM Namchi also met the president of Drivers Association and asked for their cooperation in this cleanliness campaign. Mr Ravindra informed that after this sanitation campaign, another inspection would be carried out after 2-3 weeks in all of these areas and verbal warning will be given to those who fail to maintain cleanliness.  He also informed that even after the verbal warning, if the residents fail to cooperate in this campaign then a written warning will be issued to them which will state that anybody who is caught throwing garbage outside and polluting the area will be dealt with under section 133 of CRPC for creating nuisance in public area by the SDM’s office.

Neighborhood watch keeps Gairi Gaon clean

GANGTOK, 19 Sept: In order to keep the area clean and to stop indiscriminate dumping of garbage, a group of residents of the neighbourhood have come together and started a night watch. People were indiscriminately dumping garbage on the roadside late in the night at Gairi Gaon.
The local residents first put up a hoarding urging people not to throw garbage there. As this failed to put a stop to the problem, some of the residents have started keeping watch till midnight for the past one week. During the watch, some people were caught dumping garbage and were warned and also sensitized to not follow such practice.
Now, garbage dumping on the roadside has completely stopped. However, the night watch is still being carried out by the residents of the area.

SHARE conducts cleanliness drive in Deorali

GANGTOK, 15 Sept: SHARE group organized a cleanliness drive near Deorali Senior Secondary School. The drive also aimed at spreading awareness among the masses on prevention of dengue, informs a press release.
Around 40 members of the group from different areas of Gangtok participated in the cleanliness drive during which pamphlets issued by the Health Department were also distributed. The drive was supported by Goodwill Distributors, Vintage Residency, Ajay Sharma, Deorali Police station and Mandira Tamang from Deorali, it is mentioned.
SHARE is a non-political and non-profit organization which is in the process of getting registered. The group consists of convenors Birendra Subba, Kalzang Bhutia and Trilok Rai along with other members.

Jorethang gets set to tackle Dengue

JORETHANG, 11 Sept: Area MLA Madan Cintury chaired a meeting at Jorethang Nagar Panchayat Office today to discuss immediate action to be taken against the spread of Dengue in the area.
The MLA directed the councilors of the 5 nagar panchayat wards to conduct cleanliness and awareness drives in their respective wards with immediate effect in order to stop the disease from spreading further.
He also called for the cooperation of the Police, UD&HD, SDM office, and other line departments in this program and in addition he asked the representatives of private companies to provide cleaning equipment and man power for the cleanliness drive. He said that the business activities here would be hampered if the spread of Dengue is not stopped and called upon the business community to extend their support. “Jorethang is a business hub for South and West Districts so it is important to take up preventive measures here and bring the spread of the disease under control”, said the Area MLA.
Speaking on the Chief Minister’s Gold Cup football tournament scheduled to be held in November 2013 at Jorethang, he said that in order to conduct the tournament successfully, the threat of Dengue should be tackled efficiently.
After the meeting, the MLA along with the team from UD&HD, Nagar Panchayat office, NGOs inspected Public Toilets inthe bazaar area and Jorethang Primary Health Centre. He asked the concerned departments to take up necessary steps to keep the public toilets clean and for proper management of garbage disposal as well. He interacted with the doctors of PHC and enquired upon the status of the PHC. It was informed that an ambulance and manpower for the PHC were the immediate requirements.
Senior citizen/social activist of Jorethang, Tika Gurung sharing his views on the issue, appealed to the state administration to focus on Majhi Gaon area (rural area in Jorethang) which is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread the dreaded disease. Further talking about his experience during the Dengue outbreak in 2004 he urged the officials to ensure that this time the disease does not take hold in the area.
CMO (South) District Hospital, Dr Bimal Rai explaining about the Dengue disease to the gathering highlighted on the signs and symptoms of the disease. He informed them about the methods to prevent this disease and said that since Dengue being a virus does not have a cure and can be tackled only with preventive measures. Given its location, Jorethang is susceptible to a Dengue outbreak he said and added that if preventive measures are taken on time the disease can be tackled.
He informed that various awareness camps in schools and villages are being organized by the Namchi District Hospital and IEC programs, fogging, DTT powder spraying are also being carried out in Jorethang. He also asked people to be careful when receiving guests coming from outside the.
The South District Administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration in dealing with this Dengue menace by participating in the mass cleanliness drive. Leaflets were also distributed to the gathering during the program.
The 5 Nagar Panchayat Wards have constituted teams in their wards to carry out the cleanliness drive and companies like SEW, DANS, NTPC have provided the wards with manpower and cleaning equipment as well.

Community initiative cleans up Chakung Bazaar

GANGTOK, 08 May: A cleanliness drive was carried out today at Chakung bazaar under Soreng-Chakung constituency in West Sikkim by the Block Development Office. The drive was participated in by members of different non-governmental organizations, panchayat members led by panchayat president, DP Mukhia, officials and staff of different departments, Chakung Senior Secondary School and local residents.
An official press release informs that more than 200 people participated in the cleanliness drive. It is informed that during the drive garbage were collected and beautification works carried out in the bazaar area. The drive was conducted under the supervision of BDO, PK Subba.

Kewzing-Bakhim strives towards better garbage management

NAMCHI, 09 Jan: With the view to improve garbage management in the area, the newly elected Panchayats under Kewzing-Bakhim under Ravangla Sub-Division, South Sikkim, along with tourism stakeholders, government officials and locals have set out to find means and measures to address waste related problems.
The Panchayats had called a meeting yesterday with the line department officials along with the tourism stakeholders where they appealed to all for coordination and to find better solutions for improper waste disposal in-and-around Kewzing bazaar. During the meeting it was also informed that a Bazaar Committee had also been formed which will be monitoring garbage management of the area.
The Committee members also informed that they will carry out cleanliness drives every month and work on segregation of waste materials where they appealed all to keep three dustbins in every shop and house of the area.
Panchayat President, Tara Kumar Rai informed that the whole Kewzing-Bakhim Zone under Ravangla Sub-Division is flourishing as a tourist destination and infrastructures like Buddha Park at Ravangla and Samduptse and Char Dham at Namchi has increased the tourist inflow in Kewzing and Ravangla. This increase in the number of visitors has also led to garbage disposal problems for which the Bazaar Committee has been constituted to monitor and solve such problems.
The first cleanliness drive by the Committee was conducted yesterday which also saw the participation of officers and staffs from UD&HD, Police and Fire Deptt personnel.