Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 29: Naveen D Padil, who is known for his rib-tickling comedy acting in Tulu dramas and movies, will be the 'Swachchata Rayabhari' of Mangaluru. This was announced by Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Tuesday, November 28.

This is a new but important role that is given to the actor as the city has to get ready for the 'Swachh Survekshan' cleanliness survey, which is conducted by the ministry of urban development as part of the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. The selection of the actor was unanimously approved by the corporation council, which was headed by Kavitha Sanil, mayor of MCC.

The cleanliness survey team, appointed by the central government, will be in Mangaluru from January 4, 2018 and will observe the city on various points for a month. This survey will be conducted across 4041 cities and towns all over India, including 277 cities and towns in Karnataka. The team sends its report to the central ministry and the cleanest city will be selected once the whole survey is over throughout the country.

A handbook is brought out by the ministry for 'Swachh Survekshan 2018' and one of the mandatory requirement mentioned in it is the appointment of a 'Swacchatha ambassador', who has to play a vital role in carrying the message to each and every citizen of the designated city or town through various modes, stressing the importance of cleanliness. The survey team will take the opinion of different groups of people including MCC officials, general public, voluntary and service organizations.

As per Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Naveen was chosen for this role as he is immensely popular with the masses. He has a huge support of general public because of his superb acting in Tulu dramas and movies. The mayor is of the opinion that it is always better to have a local icon than someone from outside, as the local people will readily identify themselves with him. She also told that Naveen D Padil has happily accepted the decision of the MCC.