Agra needs freedom from filth, say residents

Agra Aug 15 (IANS) India s Independence Day was celebrated here on Tuesday with residents underlining that the Taj Mahal town needed freedom from garbage and filth.

A number of flag hoisting functions were held in schools in Agra where eminent speakers focused on dirt garbage filth and degradation of environment and called for a concerted fight against pollution.

Gajendra Parmar and Mukesh Yadav an ex-corporator told a function at Shantanu Anglo-Vedic Inter College that society can no longer neglect the issue of general cleanliness.

"Children have to be taught from a very early age the need to keep our surroundings healthy and clean " he said.

Social activist Shravan Kumar Singh speaking at a function held on the Yamuna bank called for zero tolerance vis-a-vis dirt "both mental and physical".

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at the Collectorate Civil Court and the Divisional Commissioner s office.

Catholic educational institutions organised colourful parades and cultural functions. Private schools distributed sweets and balloons of various colours.

--IANS
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