Launching a wide range of activities and initiatives under the Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali the campaign, Cities are all geared up for swachh festivities. Karnataka has set up Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) centre kiosks in open fields, market places, other high footfall areas. These kiosks are encouraging citizens to not only donate their old, unused items but to sign up for Swachh Diwali Signature campaign. The RRRs Centre are decorated with artefacts made by school children and diyas and other eco-friendly products made by SHGs, NGOs etc. For community involvement, all religious places are being encouraged to make Shubh Diwali Rangolis from natural flowers, leaves or natural colours. QR code standees have also been placed outside religious places, in markets, bus stops, shopping malls and theatres to register citizen pledges. To encourage eco-friendly and locally made  products, special markets are being organized along with APMC that feature eco-friendly Diwali products made by SHGs, from decorations to gifts and sweets, encouraging people to make responsible choices.

In addition to this, some of the ULBs have come up with unique initiatives of their own such as Hassan where, the Hassanamba Temple opens its doors to the public just once a year during the Diwali season. This is when a multitude of devotees flock the temple to pay their respects to the deity. In a thoughtful initiative, the Hassan civic body aiming to promote awareness and unity by engaging with the temple visitors, set up QR Code standees at the temple, inviting devotees to sign up for Swachh Diwali Signature campaign for clean Green Diwali.  This aims at fostering a sense of togetherness and shared purpose for Garbage Free Cities.

Meanwhile, sand arts have also been created at famous tourist beach in Udupi for public attention. Earthen Diyas (Lamps) are being distributed by Pourakarmikas at slum areas to create awareness regarding green fire crackers/pollution by firecrackers in Vijayanagara. The combined and conscious efforts made by citizens, religious institutions, ULBs, civic bodies and government are creating a conducive environment for a Swachh Diwali and eco-friendly celebrations.

***

RKJ/M