Mangaluru: A special ‘Swachha Unnathi’ programme for sanitation workers from various gram panchayats in Bantwal taluk was held at the material recovery facility (MRF) in Narikombu gram panchayat Wednesday.The programme was presided over by Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat deputy secretary Jayalakshmi Raikod, who said the contribution of self-help groups, gram panchayat-level sanitation workers and Mangal Resource Management had played a significant role in earning national recognition for the district in solid waste management.As part of the programme, the district distributed accident insurance cover worth Rs 5 lakh to more than 80 sanitation workers from various villages. The workers were also provided personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, hand gloves and masks. The team also organised a health check-up camp for the participants.Senior fire officer Harish Kumar and his team conducted a practical demonstration on fire safety, emergency response, and precautions to take during fire-related incidents. Snake rescuer Kiran conducted an awareness session on snakes and other reptiles and explained the immediate steps to be taken in the event of a snakebite. The programme was organised under the Karnataka Zero Waste Programme in collaboration with Knowledge Reality Trust of Satva Group and Repurpose Global.Bantwal taluk panchayat executive officer Sachin Kumar, district health department representative Ashok Rai, Mangal resource management director Dilraj Alva and Sachin Shetty were present.
