###Rotary Club Drishti Accelerates ‘Polythene-Free Udaipur’ Campaign, Pradeep Kumawat Appointed Brand Ambassador

Udaipur: Strengthening its commitment toward environmental conservation and heritage preservation, Rotary Club Drishti has intensified its dual campaign of stepwell (baori) cleaning and promoting a polythene-free Udaipur. The club has successfully cleaned around 180 baoris to date and has set an ambitious target of restoring nearly 500 traditional water structures across the region.

Addressing the gathering, club members welcomed social worker and Brand Ambassador Pradeep Kumawat, along with Club Patron Dr. Sweety Chhabra and President Santosh Vikram. The initiative aims not only to restore the historical water heritage of Udaipur but also to create awareness about plastic pollution and civic responsibility.

Dr. Sweety Chhabra, Patron of Rotary Club Drishti, expressed her happiness over the growing public participation in the campaign. She emphasized that preserving heritage structures such as baoris is like “polishing a diamond,” noting that even the most precious legacy needs care and maintenance. “If we do not clean and protect our historical assets, we risk losing them to neglect and pollution. Along with heritage conservation, we are actively promoting a greener Udaipur through initiatives like ‘Plastic-Free Udaipur’ and tree plantation drives in collaboration with the Rajasthan Government,” she said.

She further added that civic sense plays a vital role in sustaining cleanliness. “It is not just about cleaning; it is about changing mindsets. People must stop littering plastic bottles, cups, and wrappers at lakes, temples, and public places. Awareness, education, and consistent engagement with citizens will bring lasting change,” Dr. Chhabra stated, urging media and community members to actively support the mission.

Brand Ambassador Pradeep Kumawat, who has been leading anti-polythene campaigns for over 32 years, shared insights from his long-standing environmental activism. He highlighted that more than 365 documented activities—including awareness films, nearly 40 street plays, and large-scale cloth and jute bag distribution drives—have been conducted under his leadership. He reiterated that despite the ban on plastic below 19 microns, real success depends on individual responsibility.

Citing the example of the Statue of Unity, Kumawat suggested declaring specific pockets of Udaipur as strictly plastic-free zones. He proposed starting with prominent areas such as Fateh Sagar Lake and other heritage sites, ensuring proper monitoring and providing eco-friendly alternatives. “If such large tourist destinations can maintain world-class cleanliness, there is no reason why Udaipur cannot achieve the same,” he said.

President Santosh Vikram emphasized a strategic approach of dividing the city into smaller manageable units and transforming them into plastic- and litter-free zones. He noted that consistent efforts in selected areas would eventually lead to city-wide impact.

In the current phase, the club has undertaken the cleaning of a historic baori in the Amark Ji area, reaffirming its dedication to both environmental protection and heritage conservation. Rotary Club Drishti has pledged to continue its outreach across schools, colleges, institutions, temples, and public offices to ensure widespread participation in building a cleaner, greener, and more responsible Udaipur.