IAS officer in Odisha sweeps market himself to create awareness, warns against littering

In a proactive step to address growing sanitation issues, Boudh District Collector Bibhuti Bhushan Nayak personally took part in a surprise cleanliness drive at Charichhak market under Boudh Sadar subdivision. The market, which has been suffering from poor waste management, was reportedly littered with garbage, and it lacks proper hygiene facilities.

On Thursday morning, the Collector first visited the Harabhanga Block Office, where he held a joint meeting with officials from the block administration, tehsil, local police staion, local Sarpanchs, ASHA and Anganwadi workers. After the briefing, he headed straight to the Charichhak market and began cleaning the area himself.

Eyewitnesses saw the Collector lifting garbage and waste lying in front of various shops. He interacted with shopkeepers and strictly warned them against dumping waste irresponsibly. He advised them to maintain cleanliness in and around their business premises, adding that hefty fines would be imposed in future violations. 

The local Block Development Officer (BDO) supported this warning and stressed that the administration would take action if the rules are not followed.

The Collector also reviewed other civic issues. He inspected the dilapidated condition of the public toilet in the market, which the local market committee had requested to be repaired. 

In addition, he visited the Charichhak Sevashram and checked the status of an abandoned drinking water project, assuring immediate steps for its revival.