Bhubaneswar, Oct. 8: A fortnight-long cleanliness awareness campaign was carried out by the integrated test range (ITR), a defence establishment at Chandipur in Balasore district. It concluded on Friday.

The ITR has introduced the 'garbage to green' concept to segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and convert them into compost using a fully automated waste composting facility.

As a part of 'Swachhata hi Seva' mission to negate the harmful effects of environmental pollution, the ITR also initiated a drive to plant trees on its premises.

Eco-friendly vehicles were also launched to conserve fossil fuels.

On September 20, a one-day workshop was organised on the ITR premises, where ITR director B.K. Das had emphasised on the responsibility of the ITR fraternity towards earth by maintaining a clean environment in and around Balasore.

He urged everyone to take it up as a mission.

Several competitions, including poster-making, drawing, slogan and essay-writing and debate, had been conducted between September 20 and October 3.

In order to spread the message of cleanliness outside the ITR premises, all employees and many of their family members cleaned the streets of Balasore on September 22. To promote cleanliness among schoolchildren, programmes were conducted at the Range School and the Odia Medium School at Chandipur. Pamphlets were distributed among the students with points on how to achieve and maintain a clean and green environment.

A marathon walk was also held on September 23 from ITR Colony, Balasore, to FM Circle to spread awareness among the citizens.

ITR employees also showcased their acting talents through a street play titled Sabu Jani Ame Ajana (We pretend to be ignorant) to stress on the importance of cleanliness in our daily life.