Monthlong cleanliness drive along Ganga ghats starts in Patna

Patna: In an effort to combat plastic pollution in water bodies, especially during the festive season, Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco), in collaboration with Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), started a monthlong cleanliness drive along ghats under National Mission for Clean Ganga (Namami Gange Programme) in the city on Sunday.The inaugural event near JP Setu itself saw collection of 27 kilograms of plastic waste with the help of a local foundation. Polythene accounted for 70% of the total collected waste, along with plastic-made containers, idols and thermocol plates. The collected garbage was handed over to the PMC’s waste management plant for proper recycling and disposal.The initiative, which coincides with the festive season, is part of the PMC’s ‘No Plastic Fantastic’ campaign.

Led by Buidco managing director and Patna municipal commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, the campaign involves cleanliness drives and public awareness programmes across various ghats, continuing through Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath.Following the clean-up, Buidco and Namami Gange Programme’s brand ambassador Shubham Kumar urged residents to use eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags, leaf bowls and clay lamps for puja offerings. “During festivals, lakhs of devotees visit Ganga ghats, often using plastic bags and single-use plastics, which severely pollute the river. We aim to protect the Ganga from pollution by raising awareness and including games like ‘Swacchta Hero’ where local residents can be involved and incentivised against plastic pollution," he said.This drive will take place every alternate day across various ghats from Danapur to Kangan Ghat. It will see the participation of approximately 150 volunteers from the foundation.