HYDERABAD: A Swachh Bharat programme, aimed at achieving a Guinness record, was held at Ambernagar in Secunderabad on Wednesday. Some 3000 school students were made to clean roads and the surrounding area. While preaching cleanliness is a good idea, the clouds of dust that rose with the sweeping was a pain for the children.
Excise Minister Padma Rao, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan and local politicians were also present. Children from schools in the area, namely Netaji School, Apollo Grammar, St John's, Saraswathi, and New Madhu School participated in the event. Consultant pulmonologist at KIMS, Dr Ramana Prasad, pointed out that school children are prone to sneezing, running nose, throat irritation, breathing difficulties, colds and coughs when exposed to dust for a long period.
“The plan is commendable, but care should be taken with children taking part. Safety masks should be provided to them,” Dr Prasad said. Telangana Recognised School Managements Association president S Srinivas Reddy, speaking on the occasion, said that “children should be encouraged to participate in tree plantation and cleaning drives since it creates awareness amongst them from an early age.”
