In a first, pourakarmikas to be part of Republic Day parade

For the first time, a group of pourakarmikas will be part of the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday with the objective of creating awareness among citizens about proper waste management. They will march holding placards with messages such as ‘Namma Bengaluru Swachha Bengaluru’ and ‘Plastic Vyagisi Parisara Ulisi’.

The team of 30 pourakarmikas, most of whom are from the East zone, is called 'Swachhata Yodharu' (Cleanliness Warriors), and will be among 44 teams participating in the parade.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner B.H. Anil Kumar said it was a proud moment for the civic body. “The 18,000 pourakarmikas of the BBMP bear the onerous responsibility of keeping the city clean. Their work is most important. They deserve to be recognised for the hard work that they put in,” he said. He expressed hope that with their inclusion in the parade, citizens will treat them with dignity and respect.