Srinagar, Apr 25 (KNS): A group of youth in Rawoocha village of Rafiabad in Baramulla district carried out a cleanliness drive to restore a picnic spot that had turned into a dumping yard, alleging inaction by the Rural Development Department (RDD).

The Tulbagh area, once frequented by visitors, had been reduced to a waste disposal site due to continuous dumping by locals, residents said.

Frustrated over the lack of response from authorities despite repeated representations, the youth pooled money and organised a large-scale drive to clean the area.

Volunteers removed heaps of garbage and dug a pit for proper waste disposal during the campaign, they said.
“We approached the department several times but nothing changed on the ground. Finally, we decided to take action ourselves,” one of the volunteers said.

They also appealed to residents to avoid dumping waste at the site and help maintain cleanliness.

Officials from the revenue and police departments attended the drive and appreciated the initiative.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Naib Tehsildar Dangiwacha Manzoor Ahmad Koka termed the effort a “proud moment” and said such initiatives should be replicated in other villages to ensure better waste management.

Station House Officer Dangiwacha Syed Junaid Ahmad also praised the youth and assured support for similar activities in the future. He urged young people to contribute positively to society and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.

Senior citizens, including the village Numberdar, participated in the programme and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the youth.

Locals said the initiative highlighted the role of community participation in addressing civic issues in the absence of timely institutional response.(KNS).