Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday participated in ‘Swachhata’ campaign by leading the cleanliness and de-weeding drive at Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake.

He joined the citizens from all walks of life who gathered in large numbers to pay ‘swachhanjali’ to Mahatma Gandhi.

“The way we see the surroundings become the experience of our life. Cleanliness brings happiness, joy and prosperity. It is the door to reach closest to the God. I am happy to witness cleanliness turning into the ambition of society and garbage-free cities and villages are no longer imagination but a reality,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor called upon the people to make united efforts and contribute to realize the vision of ‘Garbage-Free India’.

‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a Jan-Andolan in the UT of J&K. It is our collective responsibility to protect our surroundings, our lakes and rivers and spread awareness on cleanliness, the Lt Governor said.

He said the Swachh revolution across J&K is also creating new livelihood opportunities, generates more revenue and improves the quality of life, and reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to strengthen the Swachhata movement in the UT.

At the UT-level event, the Lt Governor congratulated the citizens and the administration on achieving ODF PLUS status for 100 per cent villages of J&K under the ‘Model’ category.

He said this historic milestone underlines our united resolve of building dream villages with new potential, possibilities and full of self-confidence, he added.

The Lt Governor administered the Swachhata Pledge to the officials and the citizens. He also flagged off the fleet of Shikaras and participated in the cleanliness drive at Char Chinar.

At Golden Island in Dal Lake, the Lt Governor interacted with school students and encouraged them to become ‘Swachhagrahi’.

Cleanliness drive was also held in the High Court and various other offices. Security forces also performed cleanliness.

Mayors of Jammu and Srinagar, Rajinder Sharma and Junaid Azim Mattu also led the cleanliness drive in their respective municipal corporation areas.