Chennai's cleanliness champions feted

CHENNAI: Over 6,000 conservancy workers in four corporation zones, who have been toiling to keep the streets clean, were awarded medals and treated to a sumptuous meal on Saturday, as a mark of gratitude.

The ceremony was held across Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Valasaravakkam and Alandur zones in 12 venues, where the workers, including conservancy staff and malarial workers, were honoured with medals. After being awarded for being cleanliness champions, they were treated to a feast by members of the public who had donated funds for the cause.

After the meal, the workers participated in cultural programmes. The event was jointly organized by a city-based NGO, Eco Kitchen and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) wing of L&T Infrastructure.

“After honouring the workers, all of us present at the venue took an oath to keep the city clean. It was to ensure that we make things easier for them, who toil so much,” said Rajasekara Pandy, senior manager, L&T CSR. In the first edition of the event held on October 2, 5,500 workers from three other zones were honoured.

“This is to recognize these people, who work every day to keep our streets and city clean, but are never acknowledged,” said Sethu Lakshmi, programme manager, Eco Kitchen. She added that two more editions will be held in January and March to recognize workers in the remaining zones.