Patiala, September 1: The Punjab government has initiated a special cleanliness campaign across the state, marking its fourth day on Tuesday in the rural areas of Patiala. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh actively participated in the campaign at Tripri Mod, urging the public to become more aware of cleanliness.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that the cleanliness drive is a sincere effort based on public participation. While the government and administration can improve sanitation systems, achieving complete cleanliness in any city requires the involvement of the general populace.
He stated that elected representatives, councilors, and officials should not limit themselves to merely spreading the message of cleanliness. They must actively engage in the campaign to send a positive message to the community. If leaders and officials only deliver speeches without participating in the cleanliness efforts, their impact remains limited.
Dr. Balbir Singh noted that to restore Patiala’s identity as the “City of Gardens,” every individual must start from their own home. The process begins with cleaning one’s house, then the street, neighborhood, and eventually the entire city. He highlighted that a clean environment directly affects public health, while accumulated waste can lead to various diseases.
The Health Minister urged citizens to report cleanliness and health-related issues through the Punjab government’s ‘Aham Seva’ app. He explained that if residents notice piles of garbage, mosquito infestations, sewage issues, stagnant water, unsafe buildings, or dirt around hospitals, they can upload pictures to the app.
According to the minister, the uploaded images will include geo-tagged locations, allowing relevant departments to identify the problem areas and dispatch teams for action. For those unable to use the app, complaints can also be registered via a helpline number.
Dr. Balbir Singh appealed to the public to reduce plastic usage, suggesting the use of cloth or jute bags while shopping. He stressed the importance of minimizing the use of plastic bottles and glasses.
He warned that microplastics are harmful to both human health and the environment, with potential effects lasting for generations. By caring for the environment, nature will reciprocate.
After four days of the cleanliness campaign, Dr. Balbir Singh observed a growing awareness among the public. He reported receiving calls from citizens across the state, indicating that the collective effort is fostering a new consciousness in society.
He concluded by stating that if citizens act with responsibility and awareness, they can address not only cleanliness but also issues related to substance abuse, education, employment, and other social challenges.
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