Mangan, October 2: (IPR) North Sikkim paid rich tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary in a function held at Mangan Nagar Panchayat Hall by offering khadas on his portrait, today.

As to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the District Administrative Centre, Mangan in association with Mangan Nagar Panchayat has organized “Swacchata Dewas” with theme “Plastic Waste Management.”

The programme saw the presence of District Collector, North, Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon, Additional District Collector (Development), North, Shri Somnath Adhikari, ADM, Mangan, Shri Surat Gurung, Municipal Eexecutive Officer, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Shri Tempo Tashi Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat members, HoDs of various Departments, teachers and students.

On the very day DC/N, Shri Kaleon administered the pledge of “Plastic Free India.” Simultaneously, Shri Kaleon also launched the new carry bags made up of jute to avoid the use of plastic carry bags which was conceptualized and initiated by Mangan Nagar Panchayat.

Speaking on the occasion, DC/N, Shri Kaleon talked about the successful campaign of “Swacchata Hi Sewa” which was a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He also told everyone that the “Clean India Movement” was one of the core principles of Gandhi. He stated that the need of the hour is a sense of belonging, attitudinal change and positive mentality among the citizens towards cleanliness and unpolluted environment.

Furthermore, he thanked the MNP members and Councilors for doing a great job on awareness and cleanliness campaign in the district. He encouraged the public at large to work together in making the North Sikkim as an exemplary district of the State.

The programme also witnessed the prize distribution among the participants who had actively participated in painting, skit and dance competition organized by MNP under “Swacchata Hi Sewa” campaign.