### Vande Ganga: Mass Cleanliness Drive for Water Conservation

Gangu Kund witnessed a vibrant and purposeful morning on Saturday as the district administration, under the leadership of District Collector Namit Mehta, took part in a massive cleanliness drive as part of the Vande Bharat Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan. Senior officials, employees, volunteers, sportspersons, and students joined hands for the cause, showcasing high levels of enthusiasm and commitment.

Armed with brooms and other cleaning tools, top officials set an example by personally taking part in the cleaning efforts. Inspired by their actions, locals present at the site spontaneously joined in. The area around the historic Kund, including the domes, walls overgrown with peepal saplings, bushes, stones, and silt, was meticulously cleaned.

During the hour-and-a-half-long shramdaan, every participant’s face glistened with sweat, yet reflected immense satisfaction. The collected waste was filled into municipal containers and transported away. As part of the initiative, the Collector also planted a mango sapling at the site.

Appeal for Continuous Cleanliness Efforts
Priests of the temples located within the Gangu Kund premises informed the Collector that devotees often leave waste behind after rituals. While some comply when advised, many ignore the request. In response, the Collector encouraged them to form a volunteer team from among regular devotees to ensure cleanliness and educate visitors about post-ritual cleaning responsibilities. This initiative, he said, will not only help maintain cleanliness but also serve as an inspiration for others. The broader goal of the Vande Ganga Abhiyan is to promote awareness about water conservation and hygiene.

Widespread Community Involvement
Former Deputy Mayor Paras Singhvi participated in the campaign, along with social worker Gajpal Singh Chauhan and his team. Key administrative figures such as UDA Commissioner Rahul Jain, Municipal Commissioner Ramprakash, Zila Parishad CEO Riya Dabi, Additional District Magistrates Dipendra Singh and Var Singh, and IAS trainee Srishti Dabas actively engaged in the cleaning work.

Volunteers from SDRF, Civil Defence (District Quick Response Team), Hindustan Scout-Guide, Bharat Scout-Guide, sportspersons, students, and a large number of local citizens came together to support the administration in this noble mission.