Drass, Mar 26: In a coordinated sanitation effort, the Rural Development Department Bhimbet, under the supervision of the district administration, carried out a large-scale cleanliness drive targeting polluted stretches of Bhimbet Nallah in the Drass region on Wednesday.
The initiative saw active participation from residents of Throngoss, Chaspang and Goniyal villages, with both men and women contributing to the operation. Volunteers and members of Zamba NGO also extended support, adding to the collective effort aimed at restoring the condition of local water bodies.
Bhimbet Nallah, once a vital water source for nearby settlements, had in recent times been reduced to a dumping site, with plastic waste, household garbage and used diapers accumulating along its banks. Officials said the condition had raised concerns over public health and environmental degradation.
During the drive, nearly four tonnes of waste material were removed from the site. The collected waste was later transported to the segregation centre at Jasgund, where it will undergo proper disposal and management in accordance with sanitation protocols.
Participants worked throughout the day, clearing clogged sections of the water channel and adjoining areas. The drive also served as a platform to raise awareness among residents about responsible waste disposal practices and the long-term impact of pollution on natural resources.
Officials accompanying the drive appealed to the public to avoid dumping waste in water bodies and surrounding areas, cautioning that such actions not only damage the ecosystem but also increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
Local residents expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that community participation played a central role in addressing the issue. Many participants emphasised the need for sustained efforts and regular monitoring to prevent the recurrence of such conditions.
The operation highlighted a growing sense of civic responsibility among the population, with authorities and citizens working in coordination to improve sanitation standards and preserve the fragile environment of the region.
