Tura, June 3: In the run-up to World Environment Day, a drive to clean and rejuvenate water bodies was held here today. As part of the programme, residents cleaned up Gandrak and Chandmary streams.

North Tura MLA Noverfield R. Marak, Tura Municipal Board chairman Donbosh N. Sangma and chief executive officer Sabrella Marak, representatives of different organisations, teachers and students participated in the cleaning drive.

The programme was organised by the district administration in collaboration with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan under the municipal board, Mission Green under the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion programme, Tura Art and Culture Society (TACS), area development committee members, teachers and students of Government Boys Higher Secondary School and Mothers' Union School and members of Shri Amma Bhagavan Seva Samithi, the social service wing of Oneness University, among others.

Noverfield lauded the district administration and other organisations for participating in the cause as well as their contributions towards the welfare of the society. He urged the people to cooperate and work together to protect and conserve the region's degrading environment and help to keep the surroundings clean and green.

Sabrella told the gathering that the programme was organised as part of the celebration of 150 years of Tura town and to create awareness and understanding among the people to keep the town clean and green not only for the celebration but for everyone's day-to-day lives. She urged the people to be vigilant and not to pollute the streams and other public places and make it liveable for everyone.

The cleaning of Gandrak stream was divided into three parts - Gandrak falls, Upper Chandmary up to Chandmary bridge was cleaned by Tura Arts and Culture Society along local residents, the area from Chandmary bridge to Chandmary field by Shri Amma Bhagavan Seva Samithi, and Chandmary field to the municipal board office was cleaned by the CEO and staff of the board.

Simultaneously, a cleaning drive was also organised at Tura civil hospital and its adjoining areas by the superintendent and staff of the hospital and the people of the area.