JOIN USNGO reminds Vijayapura corporation of its duty
Their selfless service was aimed at a sole goal — a garbage-free Vijayapura, which is known for its historical monuments, but blemished by trash-lined streets.
A whopping 30,000 volunteers of Dr Nana Saheb Dharmadhikari Foundation of Revadanda village, Raigad district, Maharashtra descended on the roads of the erstwhile capital of the Bahamani kings at daybreak on Wednesday and hit the ground running. They had brought brooms, spades and other implements in good numbers. Each volunteer reported at the spot allocated to him and joined hands to clear the garbage.
The city’s narrow streets, roads, vacant sites, gutters, the moat around the old fort, et al, were soon brimming with activity. A total of 120 tractors and 20 earthmovers were deployed for the exercise.
The idea germinated from the Dharmadhikari himself at the weekly satsang conducted by him. Soon, the plan was communicated to all, so that the date and city are announced at satsangs in different places. Volunteers then packed their food and water and set out to Vijayapura to reach there on time, spending from their own pockets for the journey in private vehicles, Suresh Hittalamani, a local volunteer told DH.
Members of the sect are followers of Sadguru Samarth Ramadas and the tilak on the forehead is their trademark. Dedicated to the cause of society, drives to clean wells, tanks and lakes of trash in various places are part of their regular activities. They have rendered such service in various places of Maharashtra, besides Hubballi, Gadag and Ganagapura in neighbouring Kalaburagi district.
The service has received appreciation from the city corporation. Harsha Shetty, the corporation commissioner, said it would take them two days to just transport the trash collected out of the city.
Ravindra Lamani, a corporator, said the drive had only increased their responsibility. The onus was on them to draw inspiration and keep Vijayapura clean, he added.