Patna extends 'Swachhata Hi Seva' cleanliness drive to Chhath

Patna: The national voluntary cleanliness drive, ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’, being held from Sept 17 to Oct 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), has been extended till Chhath in the month-end to ensure its message reaches a wider audience across the state, urban development and housing department minister Jivesh Kumar said on Thursday. The campaign is set to continue in the city until Oct 29, focusing on correct use of dustbins and preventing littering.On the day, minister Kumar led the charge in cleaning the SK Puri Park here, in a joint initiative of the department and Patna Municipal Corporation, bringing together residents and officials for ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ campaign.Addressing the gathering, Kumar said that cleanliness is not merely a govt initiative but a social responsibility, urging residents to pledge around 100 hours annually — two hours per week — and motivate at least 100 people to join the cause.Municipal commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar highlighted the importance of public participation in achieving the city’s cleanliness goals, acknowledging the enthusiastic turnout.