Puducherry: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy wielded a broom to launch the nation-wide cleanliness drive, 'Swachhta Hi Seva', at Rajiv Gandhi Munucipal bus terminal here on Sunday to encourage people to keep their cities clean.
Accompanied by DMK legislator R Siva, Commissioner of Puducherry Municipality S Ganesan and other government officials, the Chief Minister went about sweeping the crowded bus terminal area much to the surprise of by-standers.
Cleanliness is next to godliness, and the government would ensure that the Union Territory is clean and safe, said the Chief Minister. He also dedicated the renovated toilet at the bus stand to public. The Central government and French government are providing Rs 1,850 crore for Puducherry under the Smart City Project.
Steps are being taken to renovate the bus stand and to provide all facilities for passengers utilising Rs 300 crore from the fund, said the Chief Minister.
Despite the efforts by the territorial administration and Lt Governor Kiran Bedi to turn the city Open Defecation Free by October 2018, Puducherry municipalities fare badly in the Swachh Survekshan ranking released on March this year.
Puducherry and Oulgaret Municipalities have been ranked 189 and 206 position respectively in the Swachh Survekshan rankings released by the Union Ministry of Urban Development.
