Multi-agency cleanliness drive covers NH stretch across Kharu Sub-Division

LEH: A comprehensive cleanliness drive covering the National Highway stretch from Shinde Morh to Upshi, including the Kharu and Upshi market areas, was conducted across Sub-Division Kharu on Thursday as part of the district administration’s campaign to promote environmental conservation and public hygiene.

The drive was organised on the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk, and was led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kharu, Mohd. Shabir. Officers and officials from government departments, personnel from the Police Department, local trade bodies, volunteers, labourers from the Indian Army’s 3 Infantry Division, and 111 Road Construction Company (BRO) participated in the campaign.

To ensure systematic coverage, the administration constituted four dedicated teams and deployed them at vulnerable locations along the National Highway and adjoining areas. The teams collected and removed single-use plastic, roadside litter dumped on no-man’s land and other accumulated waste from identified locations.

Addressing participants, SDM Mohd. Shabir appreciated the coordinated efforts of government departments, police personnel, volunteers, trade bodies, the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation. He appealed to residents, shopkeepers, commuters and tourists to avoid littering and indiscriminate dumping of waste, urging them to contribute towards maintaining a clean and environmentally sustainable Kharu Sub-Division.

The SDM observed that although similar cleanliness campaigns had been conducted periodically, their long-term success depended on sustained public participation and responsible waste disposal practices. He urged the public not to dump waste along isolated stretches of the National Highway or other public places and called for greater community support in preserving the region’s fragile environment.

According to the administration, the campaign forms part of the Union Territory Administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental protection, improve public hygiene and encourage community participation in maintaining clean public spaces.

Among those who participated in the drive were the Deputy Chief Education Officer, Kharu, Block Development Officer, Kharu, Medical Officer, Sakti, Child Development Project Officer, Kharu, Tehsildar Gia, Police Post Officer, Kharu, Principal of Higher Secondary School, Sakti, along with officials from various government departments.