Sun Apr 06 17:56:56 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode Declared Garbage-Free, Minister Highlights Hygiene Gap

**Kozhikode, Kerala, April 6, 2025** – Kozhikode district has achieved the milestone of being declared garbage-free, a feat celebrated on Saturday with awards presented to the cleanest local bodies. However, Kerala’s Minister for Forests, A.K. Saseendran, cautioned against complacency, criticizing the tendency of residents to prioritize personal hygiene while neglecting the cleanliness of their surroundings.

The declaration follows a massive cleanup campaign involving 70 grama panchayats, seven municipalities, and the Kozhikode Corporation, alongside 12 block panchayats. Over 5,468 establishments, 1,480 schools, and thousands of neighbourhood groups and public spaces participated. Maniyur grama panchayat received the top award for cleanliness, with other winners announced for municipalities and block panchayats.

Minister Saseendran emphasized that while the campaign’s success is evident in the cleanliness of public spaces, continued efforts are needed to change behavioral patterns and foster a sustained commitment to public hygiene. He lauded the role of local bodies and urged them to maintain the achieved status. The event included presentations on waste management initiatives and a magic show promoting cleanliness. MLA Ahammad Devarkovil presided, and Mayor Beena Philip delivered the keynote address.

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