Safai Andolan Day

• Ladakh has officially declared August 12 as Safai Andolan Day for Indus River Conservation.
• The day is dedicated to the protection and cleaning of the Indus River.
• A massive clean-up drive will be carried out along the river and its tributaries.
• Government agencies, armed forces, civil society groups and students will all participate.
• This is the first government-backed campaign that focuses solely on the conservation of the Indus River.
• The initiative is a joint effort of the Union Territory administration, Leh Hill Council, defence forces and local communities.
• It is part of the larger Mission Sindhu Safai Andolan that began in June.
• The movement was launched in response to serious concerns regarding pollution.
• Water testing had revealed high levels of arsenic in the Indus River.