Bilaspur : As part of Swachhata Pakhwada, the Central Communication Bureau, Bilaspur, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, organised a one-day Integrated Public Outreach Programme at Barbhatha village in the Bilha Development Block of Bilaspur district. The village is predominantly tribal, and the programme witnessed active participation from the local community.
The event was attended by village Sarpanch Shiv Kumar Yadav, Panch representatives Hari Bai Maravi, Arun Bai Yadav and Anil Kumar Kusro, Women Self-Help Group President Dropadi Yadav along with members Sunita Maravi and Pratima Koram, Anganwadi workers and assistants, and a large number of villagers.
Addressing the gathering, Office In-charge of the Central Communication Bureau, Bilaspur, Kamal Giri said that the Government of India is observing Swachhata Pakhwada from 16 January to 31 January, during which cleanliness drives and awareness activities are being conducted nationwide. He highlighted that the Swachh Bharat Mission has played a crucial role in improving public health and protecting the environment. Emphasising public participation, he said that the goal of a clean and healthy India can be achieved only when citizens take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their homes, streets and surroundings, while also encouraging others to follow hygienic practices.
Village Sarpanch Shiv Kumar Yadav, in his address, recalled the difficulties faced by villagers, especially women, due to the lack of sanitation facilities before the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He said that the construction of household toilets under the initiative launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought dignity, relief and better living conditions to families. Calling the programme welfare-oriented and educative, he assured that villagers would work collectively to maintain cleanliness in both residential and public spaces.
The programme included a quiz competition, a rangoli competition and a mass awareness rally focused on the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, all of which saw enthusiastic participation. Anil Kumar won first prize in the rangoli competition. Participants also took a cleanliness pledge, and saplings were distributed under the “One Tree in the Name of Mother” initiative.
Adding to the impact of the programme, a song and drama troupe presented thematic songs and street plays, effectively spreading messages on cleanliness and hygiene among the rural population.
