DC, MC Chief kickstart distribution drive under 'Daan Utsav'; applaud residents/NGOs for the overwhelming response 

Ludhiana, October 21, 2023: Participating in one of its kind 'Daan Utsav' in the state, Deputy Commissioner DC) Surabhi Malik and Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Sandeep Rishi kick started the 'distribution drive' under the 'Daan Utsav' organised at Indoor stadium (Pakhowal road) on Saturday.

The 'Daan Utsav' was organised by Municipal Corporation in association with City Needs NGO wherein residents across the city stepped forward for donating used/old items/clothes for the needy.

As many as 23 collection centres were established in the city and a major collection/donation drive was organised under the program from October 6 to 10.
 
MC Zonal Commissioner (Zone D) Jasdev Singh Sekhon and Maneet Dewan from City Needs NGO stated that the 'Daan Utsav' received overwhelming response as residents, NGOs and industrial organisations donated over 50,000 clothes, 3000 toys, 2000 shoes, 1200 beddings, 800 utensils, 2000 appliances, grocery, e-waste etc. Washing machines, used phones, laptops, LED screens etc have also been donated by the residents.

Over 40 schools, colleges, industrial organisations,clubs etc participated in the 'Daan Utsav'. A large number of students, residents/NGOs were also invited for the distribution ceremony on Saturday. Members of different NGOs, school staff, volunteers etc were also felicitated with 'Letter of Appreciation' during the event.
 
Different associations and NGOs including CICU, FICO, UCPMA, CICU, Association of Computer Entrepreneurs (ACE), Bharat Vikas Parishad Vivekanand Sewa Trust, Act Humane, Women next door, Marshall Aid Foundation among others were partner NGOs of 'Daan Utsav'.

While applauding the residents, students and NGOs for their overwhelming contributions under 'Daan Utsav', DC Surabhi Malik and MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi stated that the donated items would now be distributed among the needy persons through different NGOs. They further appealed to the residents that they should continue this practice to donate used/old items for the needy persons and administration will also organise more such events in the coming time.

They stated that the items which are no longer useful at our houses, can be helpful for others and put a smile on the face of needy persons. 

 (sub-head) NGOs/self help groups encourage residents to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) waste: 
During the distribution drive organised on Saturday, a number of stalls were also established by different NGOs, students and self help groups wherein they promoted the concept of 'RRR' and encouraged the visitors to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) the used/old items 

A number of NGOs/self help groups also displayed items made out of waste material including decorative items etc. A few NGOs also promoted home composting with the help of which the residents can turn their kitchen waste into compost by using simple techniques.

DC Surabhi Malik and MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi appreciated the NGOs and urged the residents to adopt the practice of 'home composting', which will also help in reducing the household waste. 
 
Sandeep Rishi stated that the civic body will continue to promote the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling (RRR) the waste through RRR centres established in different parts of the city.