Lucknow
The Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with various organizations, has initiated a statewide cleanliness drive set to run until January 22, coinciding with the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath actively participated in the campaign in Ayodhya, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the sanctity of Navya Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier urged the public, during an address in Ayodhya on December 30, to make a collective effort to make Ayodhya the cleanest city in India. He specifically called for a nationwide cleanliness drive at religious sites and temples from January 14 to January 22.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya engaged in cleaning the Balkeshwar Hanuman Temple in Lucknow, urging citizens to actively participate in the cleanliness campaign. Another deputy chief minister, Brajesh Pathak, took part in the cleanliness drive at Dakshinmukhi Hanuman Temple in Lucknow. BJP leaders across the state also joined the initiative.
In Mirzapur, a cleanliness campaign commenced at Maa Vindhyavasini Devi Dham and Ashtabhuja Temple, with MLA Ratnakar Mishra and District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan participating. Cleanliness drives extended to 209 other temples and worship places in the district. Niranjan announced cultural programs and bhajan kirtan from January 14 to January 22 to propagate moral, social, and humanitarian values.
Gorakhpur organized a cleanliness campaign at Gorakhnath Temple Complex, aiming for a zero-waste ‘Khichdi Fair.’ Adityanath inaugurated various initiatives, including a temporary camp office, the RRR Centre, and a cloth bag vending machine to ensure a plastic-free fair. Additionally, he distributed woollen clothes, blankets, and served Khichdi prasad to children.
