BEMETARA,CG,BHARAT: A special award ceremony under the "Hamara Toilet, Hamara Samman" campaign of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) was held at the District Panchayat meeting hall in Bemetara recognising exemplary contributions of individuals and communities for promoting cleanliness on Tuesday.

District Panchayat Vice President Ajay Tiwari, Chairman Anju Baghel, Chief Executive Officer Tekchand Aggarwal, along with beneficiaries, sarpanchs, secretaries, and other representatives of Gram Panchayats were present.

Certificates of honour were presented to beneficiaries for the best individual toilets, including, Ruplal Sahu (Village Pendrikala, Saja), Rambha Sahu (Village Ghursena), Ramkali Banjare (Village Kaudiya, Navagarh), Tulsi Dewangan (Village Khudmuda, Berla), and Lekhapal (Village Lalpur, Bemetara).

In the Best Community Toilet category, Gram Panchayats Dhaba and Bhalesar of Berla block and Kenwatara of Saja block were recognized, with certificates and mementos awarded to their respective sarpanchs and secretaries.

Ajay Tiwari, District Panchayat Vice President, emphasized the importance of using natural fertilizers like Nadep and reducing chemical pesticide usage to ensure cleaner and healthier villages. Chairman Anju Baghel highlighted the role of community toilets in enhancing village sanitation and called for collective efforts to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of clean and beautiful villages.

Chief Executive Officer Tekchand Aggarwal lauded the impact of regular toilet use in reducing infectious diseases and improving the quality of life in villages. He urged sarpanchs and secretaries to support sanitation groups in maintaining cleanliness standards.

Sharing his experience, Kumeshwar Yadav, Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Kenwatara, noted significant progress in waste management and village cleanliness after achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Community members Geeta Goyal, Meera Manikpuri, and Ramkali Banjare also shared insights, stressing the need for sustained participation in cleanliness campaigns.