Initiative: Cleanliness day observed in Swat

Swat Scouts try to highlight the importance of cleanliness.

SWAT:

A cleanliness day was observed by the Swat Scouts Open Group on Sunday in Mingora.

The purpose of the day was to raise awareness among the masses about the importance of cleanliness and the adverse affects of a filthy environment.

“This activity is part of our annual schedule in which we have chalked out different social and welfare activities,” said Akhtar Ali, the group leader of Swat Scouts Open Group (SSOG).

Speaking on the importance of cleanliness, he said a clean environment is essential for a healthy lifestyle but unfortunately people do not realize that. SSOG has obtained 13 gold medals for their work.

Baqi Jan, a social activist who was also a part of the cleanliness campaign told The Express Tribune, “We are 500 years behind the west and it is great to see the enthusiasm of these young scouts as they are requesting people to stop littering the streets and roads.”

He said keeping the environment clean is the duty of both public and the government. However the public should be more active in this regard as personal initiative is very important.

Former Divisional Scout Organizer and member of National Council Pakistan Scout Association, Amir Naushad also attended the campaign. He said it was common practice to dump garbage in streets and roads. Our immediate environment consists of our house and the surroundings near it so it is our duty to keep them clean.

“If you want to motivate somebody you have to take action, like these children, who themselves removed plastic bags and other garbage from the roads and streets to set an example,” He added. The collected litter was then burnt.

“This is the best way of raising awareness among common public,” said Siab Khan, a senior scout leader. He urged for a proper mechanism of disposing off garbage.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2011.