Samba, Jammu & Kashmir – In a heartfelt tribute to nature and community spirit, the banks of the Basantar River witnessed a remarkable transformation. What began as a local cleanliness drive quickly blossomed into a symbol of unity, pride and environmental consciousness for the people of Samba.
Graced by the soulful presence of renowned singer and State Awardee Shri Chajju Singh Kattal and driven by the passionate advocacy of social activist Shri Lucky Sambyal, the initiative was more than just a clean-up it was a call to action, a celebration of shared heritage and a powerful statement on civic responsibility.
River of Heritage, A Flow of Responsibility
The Basantar River holds a special place in the hearts of Samba’s residents. It is more than a water source it’s a witness to local history and a silent keeper of cultural identity. Recognizing this, volunteers from all walks of life including youth groups, community leaders, everyday citizens came together, equipped with gloves, tools and most importantly, a strong sense of purpose.
They cleared heaps of plastic waste, removed debris and breathed new life into the riverbanks. Every wrapper lifted was not just a piece of trash removed, but a small victory in the battle against apathy.
Collective Effort, Civic Backbone
This inspiring event was actively supported by the Municipal Committee Samba, under its broader mission to improve urban hygiene, rejuvenate water bodies and cultivate public participation in Swachhata (cleanliness) initiatives. From installing segregated waste bins to organizing awareness drives and drain desilting operations, the committee has shown consistent commitment to sustainable urban living.
The Basantar River cleanliness drive is just one of many steps in their campaign but its impact was deeply felt. The synergy between civic bodies, social influencers and the public made it a shining example of what true collaboration looks like.
Events like this remind us that the health of our rivers is not the sole responsibility of the authorities. It’s a collective duty and when communities rise with passion, purpose and pride, change becomes not only possible but unstoppable.
The Basantar River now flows with a renewed sense of dignity, thanks to every volunteer who chose action over indifference. The drive has lit a spark in Samba one that will hopefully continue to grow, encouraging more citizens to step forward and safeguard their natural treasures.
Because when people clean with pride, they don’t just change landscapes they change mindsets.
