Aimed at making Delhi cleaner and greener and to invoke the patriotic emotions of the people, the Delhi Government has planned a week-long series of activities, special drives and celebrations including nukkad natak, ‘prabhat pheri,’ blood donation camps, human chain, rahgiri (march with banners) and shramdaan activities on the eve of India’s 68th Independence Day which includes a cleanliness, sanitation and plantation drive.
Delhi lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung has directed all the secretaries to celebrate the Independence Day week starting from Friday across the Capital. There should be a festive atmosphere before the speech of the Prime Minister.
According to officials, this is the first time that the government has decided to celebrate a week long programme across the city to invoke patriotic emotions of the citizens. “City wide cultural programmes will be held to celebrate country’s Independence Day which will witness participation by schools, colleges, RWAs, market associations and traders, among others. As part of this campaign, special prabhat-pheris will be taken out by school students,” he said.
He further informed that other events include organizing social welfare activities, shramdaan activities, nukkad natak, music concerts, film shows, folk performances at Delhi Haats, Kite Flying, illumination of buildings and monuments and hoisting of flags.
The railways too were asked to make efforts to clean their stations, platforms and tracks, officials said. Further, the municipal corporations will also run a special “Information Education Campaign” to raise awareness about civic sense and this campaign will be taken forward by students, RWAs and other volunteers.
“Massive plantation drive across the city has also been planned in which 11 lakh trees will be planted in various parts of the city. One lakh tress will be planted by PWD, 3 lakh trees in the Forest Area, one lakh each by municipal corporations and the rest through participation through eco-clubs, RWAs and by general public.
Further, in a special event held at the Raj Niwas, senior officers of the lG Secretariat, Delhi government and Delhi police will pledge to donate their organs on August 14. This programme will be aided by Delhi Government’s Institute of liver and Biliary Sciences. Jung also issued a special appeal to the citizens of Delhi on the occasion.