Imphal: People of Manipur paid tributes and homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi by observing the day as National Cleanliness Day.
A state function was held at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal on Sunday where Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, ministers, MPs, MLAs offered floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
On the occasion Biren Singh highlighted the contributions made by the Father of Nation for the country and in achieving independence from the British.
The Father of the Nation is today revered across the world because of his non-violent movement, Biren Singh said.
He said that the non-violent movement is crucial in maintaining peace and is supported by people across the world as today there are many countries which could destroy the world with single bombs.
The chief minister observed that the ideals and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi are meaningless if we are unable to implement them or turn them into actions.
Today, schemes for the welfare of the people including construction of sanitary latrines and provision of drinking water are being taken up across the country, he added.
Taking the advantage of the day, the Chief Minister also appealed to all against dumping waste on our ponds, streets, rivers, lakes, to keep our localities clean and hygienic, and further highlighted that cleaning of Imphal River in Kangpokpi area has also begun.
He also addressed the need to maintain proper Solid Waste Management on a micro level and maintain Solid Waste dumping sites in all districts under the watch and supervision of the District Commissioners in coordination with the local MLAs.
“Until we maintain small-scale dumping sites in the districts, it will be hard to control dumping of garbage or waste into our rivers, the Chief Minister said.
MAHUD, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Y. Khemchand who presided over the function raised awareness against dumping garbage and solid waste into our rivers and roads.
The Minister also said that several organizations, local youth groups are launching various Clean Imphal, Clean Manipur, Clean Loktak Lake campaigns, however, unless we all become aware of the issue, we cannot keep our surroundings and environment clean.
Congress party also observed the day at its office by offering tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Congress Chief K Meghachandra and other Congress leaders were present on the occasion.
