SWACHHTA HI SEVA CAMPAIGN
As part of the nationwide initiative Swachhta Hi Seva (Cleanliness is Service), the NSS 240 Unit of Assabah Arts and Science College, Valayamkulam, in collaboration with the NSS unit of MTM College, Veliyamcode, organized a large-scale beach cleaning drive on October 2, 2024, at Ponnani Beach. The event aimed to raise environmental awareness and promote public cleanliness, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission's objectives set by the Government of India. With over 100 NSS volunteers participating, the campaign focused on cleaning the beach, a popular local spot that had accumulated significant plastic waste and debris. Volunteers worked meticulously to collect, segregate, and properly dispose of the waste in coordination with local authorities.
The event was inaugurated by Madhusudhanan, Coastal Sub-Inspector of Ponnani, who stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, especially beaches, to ensure environmental sustainability. His address emphasized the social and environmental impact of such initiatives, calling on students and the community to actively participate in preserving public areas. The volunteers, guided by staff coordinators, undertook the cleaning with dedication, collecting non-biodegradable waste such as plastic bottles, wrappers, and discarded fishing nets. The collected waste was handed over to local waste management services, ensuring proper disposal.
The cleaning drive also resonated with the public as several beachgoers joined the effort spontaneously, inspired by the volunteers’ commitment. Additionally, NSS members engaged with the public, educating them on the harmful effects of littering and the significance of maintaining clean, natural spaces. Media coverage further amplified the initiative's message, reaching a broader audience and fostering greater community involvement. The successful campaign not only beautified Ponnani Beach but also instilled a sense of civic responsibility among participants and the local population. This collective effort exemplifies the potential for sustained change when institutions, local authorities, and citizens work together towards the common goal of environmental cleanliness and sustainability.
.