Where fitness meets cleanliness: NDMC launches 'plogging drive'

NEW DELHI: Aiming to spread awareness amongst Delhi's residents about 'plogging', the practice of clearing litter from roads or footpaths while jogging or going on a walk, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) launched a 'Plogging Drive' early Saturday morning.

The drive comprised of many teams and was flagged off by Durga Shankar Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, at Janpath here.

At the launch, Mishra said that walking is a habit good for health, while clearing litter is good for "our city, country and planet's health."

He added that the idea of plogging is new, environment-conscious and a fitness trend, where people picking up rubbish while they are on the walk, run or jogging.

Appealing to the people at large, Mishra said that every citizen should not only themselves follow the plogging exercise, but also should spread the message to their near or dear ones and set an example by doing it daily.

"Plogging is an eco-friendly fitness trend, it should make India as a Swachh Bharat to Swasth Bharat," he added.

After administering the Swachhta pledge to participants of the plogging drive, NDMC secretary Rashmi Singh said, "Whether you plog one day a week or one day a month, it makes a difference and becomes a motivation for others."

The fourth anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission is being celebrated by NDMC, from September 15 to October 2, as Swachhta-hi-Sewa fortnight, wherein the Council spreads awareness amongst citizens from all walks of life through the various activities.

She further said that NDMC has ensured community participation in the plogging drive by involving government officials students, residents, shopkeepers, traders, visitors, tourists, as well as caretakers of government, non-government and private buildings among others.

The plogging drive covered the route of Janpath, Tolstoy Marg, Patel Chowk, Rajendra Prasad Road and culminated at Ambedkar Vatika.