Active participation of citizens, panchayats must for achieving vision of clean, green J&K: Javid Dar

Srinagar, Oct 4: Directorate of Rural Sanitation, J&K Saturday organised the culmination ceremony of Swachhotsav 2025 at RDD Park, Harwan, marking the grand conclusion of the 15 day long Swachhata Hi Seva campaign across the Union Territory.
The event was graced by Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, as Chief Guest. He appreciated the active participation of citizens, panchayats and various stakeholders in the campaign, adding that their active participation is must for achieving the vision of a clean and green Jammu & Kashmir.
MLA Hazrabal Salman Sagar; Secretary RDD Mohammad Aijaz Asad; Director General Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; Director Rural Development Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat; other senior officers RDD, district administration and representatives of Swachh Bharat Mission were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the Minister underscored the need to continue the cleanliness drive beyond campaigns and events, stressing that cleanliness should become an integral part of daily life and faith.
“Cleanliness is not just a duty, it is part of our faith. Every citizen must act responsibly to keep their surroundings, water bodies, and public spaces clean. The true spirit of Swachh Bharat lies in sustained community participation,” the Minister said.
He highlighted that clean water bodies are lifeline for communities, and protecting them from pollution must remain our top priority.
He urged people to ensure that waste is managed at source and to actively support initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen for solid and liquid waste management.
Earlier, Javid Dar also laid the foundation stone for a new Community Facilitation Centre (CFC) at Harwan, aimed at strengthening local governance and improving public service delivery in the area.
The culmination ceremony witnessed vibrant participation from students, PRI members, officers, SHG members, and sanitation workers, who showcased their contributions through photo exhibitions, cultural performances, and waste-to-wealth displays highlighting innovative local efforts toward a cleaner environment.
The event concluded with a pledge on cleanliness and environmental responsibility, reaffirming the collective commitment to sustain the momentum of Swachhata Hi Seva and make Jammu & Kashmir a model of rural sanitation excellence.