As the part of Swachhta Pakhwada programme, a “Walkathon for Cleanliness” was organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru on 29.12.2025 in collaboration with Gram Panchayath of Hesaraghatta and Huralichikkanahalli.

Shri S R Vishwanath, Hon. MLA, Yelahanka constituency participated in walkathon , while addressing the participants highlighted the importance of Swatchh Bharat by emphasizing the continuity in adopting all the Swatchhata practices like cleanliness in around at our Home, office, communities, roads, public places, large gatherings like choultries; reducing the use of plastics; avoiding the throwing of waste materials on the roads, drainages, vacant places, etc. to follow the hygienic practices. While emphasizing the role of removing illegal banners and boards, segregation of different types of wastes he asked the locals to continuously follow the Swachhta practice round the year by promoting among 90% and the rest can also be educated to create social responsibility and make our environment clean and green. He also appreciated the good efforts of the Director and all the staff of ICAR-IIHR in making our communities clean and green.

Dr Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, presided over the programme and appreciated the role of local communities of Hesaraghatta in supporting the programme. Dr Behera emphasized the responsibility of following all good practices of Swatchh Bharat to join and support ICAR-IIHR in making our communities and the country cleaner and greener. He has assured honorable MLA that more such programmes will be arranged in surrounding areas involving the local people. Smt. H. S. Ranjini Madhusudhan, Chairman Hesaraghatta Panchayath, also graced the occasion as the guest of honor.

Dr.B. Balakrishna, Nodal Officer Swachhata programme welcomed the dignitaries and all the participants to the programme and briefed importance of Walkathon to create awareness on Swachhata activities like Segregation of wastes, discouraging use of plastics, composting for cleaner and greener environment, etc. The Chief Administrative Officer and all heads of different divisions such as Fruit Crops, Vegetable Crops, Flower and Medicinal Crops, Natural Resource Management, Crop Protection and Post-Harvest Technology and Agril. Engg and Division of Social Sciences & Training participated along with their scientific, technical and supporting staffs of the institute. Students from Government High. School, Hesaraghatta also actively participated in the programme.