Namchi, 27th September 2023: In an effort towards promoting Indian Swacchata League – season 2, the Namchi Municipal Council (NMC), yesterday, organized an awareness program on source segregation and plastic waste management in Namchi Central Park. The event witnessed the presence of Bhoj Raj Rai, SKM party Senior Vice President, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. The Chairman of Urban Development Department, Tashi Bhutia, Chairman of NMC, and the in-charge of Nari Shakti Namchi District, Kala Subba, added to the dignified panel, alongside the Vice Chairperson and all councillors, Municipal Executive Officer (MEO), NMC staffs, self-help groups (SHGs) from various wards from Namchi, schools, the Bazaar Committee, Chawtara Retired Association, and the local residents of Namchi Bazaar.

The program commenced with a warm welcome speech by the Councillor of Gangyep ward, Nima Choden Lepcha. The keynote address on the perils of single-use plastics was delivered by a resource person, Deputy Secretary of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), and the Nodal Officer of SBM Mangan, Norden Gyatso, emphasized the importance of responsible solid waste management in Namchi.

During the event, the chief guest, urged the community to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and encouraged everyone to bring their reusable bags to the town for shopping. He emphasized that the responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of Namchi falls on all its residents.

On the other hand, Deshpath Lama, MEO Namchi, shared his insights regarding the issue of single-use plastics, whereas, Chairman Tashi Bhutia appealed to the guests and the public to unite in the common cause of making Namchi a better place to live by involving themselves in making the city, cleaner.

The program also featured a speech competition and a painting competition among local schools. Namchi Girls Senior School secured the top position in the speech competition, while Tendong Educational Institute won the first place in the painting competition.

Members of the self-help group from Lower Ghurpisey delivered a poignant poem on source segregation, and the NMC staff added a touch of patriotism by singing the state song, ‘Jaha Bagcha Teesta Rangeet’.

The event was hosted by Pem Norbu Bhutia, Councillor of Upper Ghurpisey, and the event showcased a lively dance performance by the Step Dance Sensation Dance Group, and the Special guests – Sangay Chettri and Mingma D Lepcha added their charm to the evening with their performances.

The program came to a close with a vote of thanks by Kul Prasad Chettri, the Brand Ambassador for Swachh Bharat Mission Namchi, reaffirming the commitment of Namchi residents to a cleaner and greener future.

Namchi Municipal Council’s efforts in raising awareness about sustainable practices and environmental consciousness have taken a significant step forward with this program, fostering a sense of responsibility towards a cleaner and more sustainable Namchi.