Cleanliness is a reflection of society’s culture: A.K. Saseendran

Minister for Forests A.K. Saseendran on Saturday (April 5) criticised the tendency among Keralites to maintain personal hygiene while neglecting the cleanliness of their surroundings. Declaring Kozhikode a ‘garbage-free’ district, the Minister said the success of waste management campaigns is best reflected in the cleanliness of public spaces, including roads. “However, such campaigns are necessary to address the challenge of changing behavioural patterns and to encourage people to maintain cleanliness in public spaces,” the Minister said. He added that cleanliness was a reflection of society’s culture. He appreciated the role played by the local bodies in ensuring total cleanliness across the district and encouraged them to sustain the status.

The 70 grama panchayats, seven municipalities, and Kozhikode Corporation had declared themselves as garbage-free local bodies on March 30, while the 12 block panchayats made the declaration on April 3. As part of the campaign, 5,468 establishments, 1,480 schools, 27,618 neighbourhood groups, 276 towns, 808 public spaces, and 29 tourist centres were cleaned up.

Maniyur bagged the award for the cleanest grama panchayat, while Thalakkulathur and Perumanna bagged the second prize. Meppayur and Kuttiady bagged the third prize. Among the block panchayats, Kunnummal came first, while Kozhikode and Perambra bagged the second and third positions, respectively. Among the municipalities, Vadakara and Koyilandy bagged the first prize, while Payyoli and Mukkam shared the second prize. Mr. Saseendran distributed the awards on the occasion.

MLA of Kozhikode South Ahammad Devarkovil presided over the event, while Mayor of Kozhikode Corporation Beena Philip delivered the keynote address. District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, also the convenor of the District Executive Committee for the campaign, presented the status report. District Coordinator of Suchitwa Mission M. Gouthaman made a presentation on ‘Vrithi 2025’. Magician Pradip Hudinho presented a magic show incorporating messages of cleanliness.