THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, Oct 5: In an effort to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness during the upcoming Durga Puja, the Jugsalai Municipal Council has launched a “Clean Puja Pandal Competition” as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.
The competition, organized in light of the upcoming “Swachh Survey 2024,” aims to engage the public in maintaining cleanliness around Puja Pandals and to reduce the increase in solid waste commonly observed during the festive season.
With large crowds expected to gather at Puja Pandals during Durga Puja, there is often an increase in waste generation around these locations. To tackle this issue, the Municipal Council has taken the initiative to encourage citizens and Puja committees to contribute actively to maintaining cleanliness.
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16 cleanliness and sustainability criteria
Puja Pandals under the Jugsalai Municipal Council will be judged based on a comprehensive set of 16 cleanliness and sustainability criteria, which aim to inspire environmentally conscious practices.
These criteria include:
Nature Conservation in Pandal/Idol Construction: Pandals that feature nature conservation themes or use eco-friendly materials in idol construction will be awarded up to 10 marks.
Use of Biodegradable Materials: Points will be awarded to Pandals using paper, leaf, jute, or other biodegradable materials.
Sustainable Drinking Solutions: Reusable glass or paper cups for serving water and sherbet will also earn marks.
Crowd Management: Pandals with separate entry and exit gates and distinct queues for men and women will receive marks for effective crowd management.
ID Cards for Volunteers: Pandals ensuring that volunteers wear ID cards will receive marks for organization and safety.
Self-Management of Cleanliness: Pandals that take independent cleanliness initiatives will be rewarded.
Shopkeepers and Citizens’ Contribution: Active efforts by nearby shopkeepers and visitors to maintain cleanliness will also be recognized.
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Promotion of Public Awareness: Pandals that display messages against banned plastics, promote cleanliness, and spread awareness through loudspeakers will be awarded.
Use of Biodegradable Advertising Materials: Pandals that utilize eco-friendly materials for advertisements or use LED displays and standees will be judged favorably.
Availability of Dustbins: Pandals must have sufficient numbers of green and blue dustbins for waste segregation.
Waste Segregation: Segregating waste within the pandals will contribute to higher scores.
Composting of Biodegradable Waste: Pandals that dispose of biodegradable waste in pits will be rewarded. Handling Non-Biodegradable Waste: Points will be awarded to pandals that hand over non-biodegradable waste to the municipal body for disposal.
Spitting Arrangements: Pandals providing designated places for spitting will score points for hygiene
Environmentally Conscious Idol Immersion: Points will be given to pandals that follow eco-friendly idol immersion practices at designated sites.
Innovative Cleanliness Initiatives: Any unique or innovative steps taken by the Puja committee or citizens to promote cleanliness will be evaluated and awarded extra marks.
The Clean Puja Pandal Competition will rank Puja Pandals based on the above 16 parameters, with a total of 160 marks. Pandals securing the top three positions will be recognized and awarded for their efforts.
