Cleanliness Drive – Kolkata Civic Campaign Set to Begin Ahead of Yoga Day
Cleanliness Drive – The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to launch a six-day cleanliness campaign across the city on Monday, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari scheduled to inaugurate the initiative at the civic body’s headquarters. The campaign, titled “Welcome to Cleanliness”, has been planned as part of preparations for the International Day of Yoga, which will be observed on June 21.
Broad Participation Invited for Civic Initiative
In a move aimed at encouraging wider public participation, the municipal administration has extended invitations to former councillors from all political backgrounds. Current legislators from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) representing Kolkata constituencies have also been asked to attend the event. Former Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is among the notable invitees.
Senior officials associated with the civic body said that this is the first occasion on which former councillors have been formally invited to take part in a municipal cleanliness programme. The decision is being viewed as an effort to promote cooperation beyond political lines in matters concerning urban development and public welfare.
Former Representatives Expected to Attend
Sources within the administration indicated that several former councillors, including Debashis Kumar and Asim Basu, are likely to be present during the inauguration ceremony. However, reports suggest that some current councillors may choose not to participate due to earlier political differences surrounding discussions on leadership changes within the civic administration following Firhad Hakim’s resignation.
Campaign to Cover Every Ward in Kolkata
The sanitation drive will continue until June 20 and is expected to reach all 144 municipal wards across Kolkata. Officials said the campaign will focus on improving cleanliness standards in public spaces, strengthening waste management efforts, and enhancing overall civic hygiene before the city’s Yoga Day events.
Municipal authorities believe that the initiative will help improve public awareness regarding sanitation while ensuring that key locations remain clean and well-maintained ahead of the large-scale celebrations planned later this month.
Chief Minister Expected to Outline Development Plans
During the programme, the Chief Minister is expected to interact with civic officials, elected representatives, and invited guests. He may also present an overview of upcoming development projects and administrative initiatives that will be implemented through the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in the coming months.
Officials noted that the event provides an opportunity to highlight ongoing urban improvement measures while strengthening coordination between the state government and local civic administration.
Historic Visit to Municipal Hall
The visit carries additional significance as it will mark Adhikari’s first official appearance at the Municipal Hall as Chief Minister for a KMC-organised programme. Preparations for the event have reportedly been underway since the weekend, with civic authorities making arrangements for the gathering.
Representatives of the BJP in the municipal corporation, led by MLA and councillor Sajal Ghosh, are expected to welcome the Chief Minister upon his arrival at the venue.
Focus on Yoga Day Preparations
Officials pointed out that the occasion is notable because government programmes attended by a Chief Minister at the Municipal Hall have become increasingly rare in recent years. As a result, the event is being viewed as an important chapter in the institution’s administrative history.
The cleanliness campaign also comes shortly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Kolkata on June 21 for International Day of Yoga celebrations. The main Yoga Day programme is expected to take place on Red Road, while additional events will be organised in different parts of the city.
Statewide Cleanliness Efforts Gain Momentum
Meanwhile, Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul has already introduced a dedicated mobile application designed to monitor cleanliness activities across West Bengal. Officials said the KMC initiative is expected to support and strengthen these statewide efforts, contributing to a coordinated sanitation campaign ahead of Yoga Day.