New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS): The first edition of the Indian Swachhata League -- an inter-city competition on the parameters of 'swachhata' powered by the youth -- witnessed a record of sorts with more than five lakh youth joining hands for clean beaches, hills and tourist spots.

The Indian Swachhata League kick started the Swachh Amrit Mahotsav, a fortnight of activities to galvanise action around cleanliness from September 17 (Seva Diwas) till October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti).

The day began with teams like Puri Saviours, Aizwal Clean Avengers, Gazab Ghaziabad, Swachhata Warriors, Swachh Vishakha Warriors, Bemisal Bhopal, Swachhata Warriors Jhansi displaying passion to achieve the vision of 'Garbage Free Cities'.

Cricketer Kuldeep Sen, actors Rahul Dev, Mughda Godse and veteran actor Jeetender joined the movement supporting their city teams. Trap shooter R. Prithviraj Tondaiman, the ambassador of Trichy Rockers, led from the front to keep his city clean.

Chandigarh Challengers started the activities with the message 'Har Din, Chaar Bin' and formed a huge human chain to advocate the use of four bins for improved waste segregation at source at the famous Rose Garden. The Rajkot team carried out a 'Fun Run & Youth Run' drive for citizens of all age groups to support the swachhata mission.

The best teams of this youth-led competition will be chosen by an independent process involving jury members of national repute. The evaluation will be made on the basis of scale of participation, uniqueness of the activity, and impact of cleanliness initiatives.

The Ministry of Urban Affairs expects that the mission will trigger participation of youth by indulging in action for sanitation, waste management and the impact of cleanliness drive.