Monday, Aug 25, 2025 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Aug 24, 2025 16:55 [IST]
DARJEELING,: The Mero Darjeeling Campaign, a citizen-driven initiative encouraging residents to dedicate two hours to cleaning their town through plogging (jogging or walking while picking up litter), officially began its ward-level activities Sunday in Ward 15 and Ward 20.
In Ward 15, participants found that chips packets and food wrappers were the most common waste items, showing that fast food packaging around schools has become a significant challenge for waste management.
The Pragati Sewa Sangh actively joined the campaign and highlighted the urgent need to remove construction debris in the ward. They also suggested that DLR Prerna and Zero Waste Himalayas conduct waste management awareness programmes in schools to instill civic responsibility among students.
In Ward 20, the cleanliness drive was led by the Mitra Milan Sangh Samaj, which identified Judge Bazar and the Dali stand area as the dirtiest parts of the ward. Members appealed to residents to take responsibility for the waste they generate and work collectively towards cleaner surroundings.
Significantly, today’s plogging session also saw the participation of Dipen Thakuri, chairman of Darjeeling Municipality; Prativa Rai, vice chairman; and Ganesh Sarki, MIC, Darjeeling Municipality. Their active involvement underscored the municipality’s institutional commitment to supporting community-led cleanliness initiatives.
Looking ahead, the Mero Darjeeling Campaign has announced a Mega Plogging and Cleaning Drive at Chowk Bazar on August 28, and has appealed to all organisations, institutions, and citizens of Darjeeling to join hands in this historic effort to reclaim one of the busiest spaces in town and set an example of civic responsibility.
