Chandigarh, November 3:- In a heartfelt celebration of Diwali aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission and with the DAY-NULM convergence, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) celebrated “Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali” campaign as part of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ mission to promote eco-friendly and sustainable festivities. The launch event, held at Sector 17 Plaza, highlighted the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata.’ City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar, MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, councilors, MCC officials, Safaimitras, SBM Brand Ambassador Sh. Praveen Duggal, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and citizens inaugurated the campaign by lighting 600 Govardhan diyas, promoting a message of a green and safe Diwali.

Community Empowerment Through Women SHGs
As part of the campaign, women-led SHGs created vibrant rangolis to embody the Swachh Bharat Mission’s values. Under the "Swachh Diwali - Shubh Diwali" theme, messages of cleanliness and community engagement were shared, along with the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR). A citywide cleanliness drive followed, with enthusiastic participation from citizens, school students, RWAs, MWAs, NGOs, and various institutions.

Fostering the Spirit of Giving with Swachh Sawari
Emphasizing the values of kindness and community responsibility, MCC’s Swachh Sawari—a doorstep donation initiative—and the permanent RRR center in Sector 17 encouraged community donations. This initiative received tremendous support, with approximately 3,500 items, including clothes, toys, books, and electronics, donated between October 21 and November 3. In the coming weeks, a 'Rupee Store' will be set up at a strategic location to make these items available to the community after necessary refurbishments.

Supporting and Empowering Safaimitras
MCC remains dedicated to creating a supportive and dignified work environment for its Safaimitras, empowering them in their roles. In recognition of their dedication, 42 Safaimitras were promoted to Sanitary Supervisors. As a Diwali gesture, sweets, jaggery, oil, and soap were distributed to all Safaimitras.

Promoting Local Eco-Friendly Products
To encourage "Vocal for Local," MCC’s SHGs also set up stalls at carnivals in Sectors 34 and 46, promoting eco-friendly products and community empowerment. These stalls received positive responses, with citizens embracing zero-waste principles, supporting local businesses, and adopting RRR principles in their daily lives.

City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of citizens and MCC during the festivities, advocating for cleanliness and sustainability. “Together, we can ensure a cleaner and greener Chandigarh for future generations,” he stated.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar,IAS added that, post-Diwali, MCC organized a thorough city cleanup. “Our dedicated Safaimitras worked tirelessly to keep Chandigarh sparkling clean after the celebrations.”

He further emphasized that the Municipal Corporation continues to strengthen its commitment to cleaner streets and fresher air by using advanced water sprinklers to curb pollution and preserve the environment, ensuring a healthier Chandigarh for all.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, assured that with such proactive efforts, Chandigarh is well-positioned to achieve a top rank in Swachh Survekshan 2024. “Our commitment to sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives reflects our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more livable city. Together, we aim to make Chandigarh a benchmark of cleanliness and environmental responsibility,” he stated.