Rourkela, May 3: Much before the launch of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a group of people here initiated a voluntary drive for trying to keep the city clean.

Mission Sunday, the organisation, has been there since November 2013.

"We started it on the first Sunday of November 2013, which was at least six seven months before the Prime Minster's call of the abhiyan," said Prafulla Panda, a chest specialist and president of the organisation.

Every Sunday, around 100 volunteers visit an area of the city and start the cleaning drive. Today, it was on one of the entry roads to the Civil Township near Bhesaj Patel Nurshing Home. Last week, it took place on the Brahmani Bridge. "We removed five tractor trolley loads of dusts and grime from the bridge. Now, you won't witness water logging on the bridge if it rains, as we have cleaned the holes through which the water falls on the river," said Pinku, a businessman.

The initial phase of the drive was very humble. "We started with only 15 volunteers and cleaned the Hockey Chhak near Panposh. After so many days, the area remains clean as the local residents keep it so," said Panda.

He added that the local people should use their time to keep the city clean.

This morning, when The Telegraph visited the spot at Civil Township, the volunteers were busy cleaning the place and. Panda was busy at another site in Basanti Colony. "Today, we launched the Basanti Colony cleaning drive near the Jagannath temple. The invitation came from the local residents," Mission Sunday secretary Pradip Das.

"We plan to cover the whole district. Our next target is Rajgangpur. We had visited Kurda village near Lahunipara, which is around 50km from here. One of my patients came to know about the project and asked for our help," Panda said. The volunteers provide them with brooms, masks and trays. "We run on our own funds and collect money from our volunteers," said Panda.