UDHAMPUR, Oct 2: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Live For Others – Being Helpful Foundation (LFO-BHF), in collaboration with Talla Care Foundation and Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) and with the support of NSS Unit of Bhaskar Degree College, Udhampur organised a cleanliness drive in the Nathatop–Patnitop area under the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” under the guidance of Vivek Parihar, Director & CEO of LFO-BHF. The initiative witnessed the active participation of around 55 volunteers and NSS volunteers from Bhaskar Degree College, Udhampur.
The bus carrying the volunteers for the cleanliness drive was flagged off by Kashish Gupta, CEO, Talla Jewellers, marking the beginning of the community-driven initiative. The collaboration between the participating organisations and volunteers reflected a collective commitment towards maintaining the cleanliness and natural beauty of one of the region’s important tourist destinations.
The awareness and cleanliness initiative was aimed at paying tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly his emphasis on cleanliness, civic responsibility and community participation. Volunteers carried out an extensive cleanliness activity across the tourist areas, collecting and segregating waste and encouraging visitors to adopt responsible waste-disposal practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Kashish Gupta, CEO, Talla Jewellers, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining clean and sustainable tourist destinations. She encouraged visitors to avoid littering, use designated waste-disposal facilities and follow the principle of “Leave No Trace” while enjoying the natural beauty of Nathatop and Patnitop.
Rithik, Environment Domain In-charge, LFO-BHF, emphasised the importance of continued community participation in environmental initiatives. He stated that coordinated efforts by organisations, educational institutions and volunteers can create a meaningful impact in keeping public spaces and tourist destinations clean.
A total of 573 kg of waste was collected during the cleanliness drive. The substantial quantity of waste collected highlighted the importance of regular cleanliness initiatives and greater public awareness regarding responsible waste disposal.
The drive witnessed the participation of Abhishek Gupta, Vidit Gupta, Muskan, along with NSS volunteers from Bhaskar Degree College, Udhampur, and other volunteers who actively contributed to the initiative.