Munish Sood
The Newz Radar
MANDI: To sensitise the masses and awaken them towards keeping their surroundings and natural resources clean, the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers of Vallabh Government College at Mandi (VGC) undertook a cleanliness drive along the basin of Suketi rivulet, a tributary of the Beas river, and fished out a mammoth 15,500 kg of plastic waste.
The seven-day cleanliness drive titled “Heal mother Suketi” was launched along its stretch from Rani Bain to the famous Panchvaktra Temple where the Suketi rivulet meets the mighty Beas.
Deepali Ashok, Assistant Professor of Botany and NSS programme officer at VGC, told TNR that the aftermath of this year’s heavy rainfall had left the riverbanks laden with plastic waste, prompting them to organise this much-needed cleanup drive.
“The meticulously gathered more than a tonne of garbage and waste during our ambitious cleanliness drive is a testament to the resilience and determination of the 95 NSS volunteers who worked wholeheartedly for a week and set an example for others to keep water bodies around them clean,” she said.
The NSS officer, who was also the driving force behind the entire operation, said that as the volunteers progressed from Rani Bain to Mandi, the scale of the challenge became tough with each step, yet their unwavering spirit prevailed, even in conditions at points where standing on feet was a formidable task.
Another person who guided and led the NSS volunteers was Professor Suraj, who said the cause was well supported by the Mandi Municipal Corporation, which provided garbage bags and vehicles for transporting the collected waste to the designated dumping site. “The Red Cross Society also contributed to the cause by supplying essential gear such as gloves,” he said.
Seraj Students Association, NYK, VGC Mandi Eco Club, Rover Rangers and NCC cadets also collaborated with NSS volunteers on a dedicated day. The effort of the NSS volunteers garnered widespread appreciation, including commendations from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Additional District Magistrate (ADM).
VMC Principal Prof Surina offered full support for the cause and appreciated the NSS unit by acknowledging the pivotal role they played. “The success of the cleanliness drive stands as a beacon of light, urging communities to unite in creating a lasting impact on environmental preservation. Cleanliness campaign or drive is not the only solution, we all know it. We need to develop a culture to be sensitive towards cleanliness. We are not excluded from our environment. We are very much a part of it,” said Deepali Ashok. She said that the NSS unit of VGC had always been associated with such social causes, justifying its motto which is ‘Not me, but you’.
