Municipality, IIMC join hands for Swachhata drive

Dhenkanal: As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign, Dhenkanal Municipality, IIMC Dhenkanal, and its environment committee, Vasundhara, organised a joint cleanliness and awareness drive across key public areas with active participation from students, faculty, and municipal officials.

IIMC Dhenkanal campus students conducted the cleanliness drive covering Balaram Mandir, Samarkabi Brajanath Badajena Children’s Park, Jail Pond, and connecting roads. The participants performed ‘Shramdaan’ by collecting plastic waste and used banners to raise environmental awareness among residents.

Dhenkanal Municipality Chairperson Jayanti Patra, Executive Officer Ashwini Kumar Das, IIMC Regional Director Anand K Pradhan, and representatives from Vasundhara conducted the drive, with the municipal team providing logistical support. Participants distributed awareness posters to local residents and shopkeepers while collecting waste with municipal masks and gloves.

The drive used collection vehicles to segregate the gathered waste into wet and dry categories. Anand Pradhan said the initiative aims to clean public spaces, encourage collective responsibility, and promote respect for the dignity of labour. He urged the people of Dhenkanal to work together with students to keep the city clean.

Vidya Bharti, corporate communication and brand management master’s student, noted that the initiative extended beyond mere cleanliness: “If our efforts or visual materials inspire others to manage waste, that is a victory for us.” Another student Bhabya Anand emphasised personal responsibility, stating that cleanliness begins at home.

Dhenkanal Municipality Chairperson Jayanti Patra and Executive Officer Ashwini Kumar Das praised IIMC students and emphasised that active public participation is essential for maintaining a clean environment. As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign (Sept 17–Oct 2) themed “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag: Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” the drive promoted collective cleanliness.

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Shreya Pandey

Shreya Pandey