Mangaluru: The War Memorial and areas around Kadri Park in the city got a fresh look after volunteers undertook the 10th cleanliness drive of Ramakrishna Mission’s Swatchata Abhiyan here on Sunday.

SCS Hospital’s Medical Director Jeevaraj Sorake and Pratham of Big Boss fame flagged off the drive in the presence of Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mutt president Swami Jitakamanandaji.

Lauding the initiative, Mr. Pratham felt the drive should get expanded to other districts in the State.

He was happy about the mission’s Swatch Manas drive wherein students were being enlightened about cleanliness.

Dr. Sorake said that he was happy that the abhiyan is being taken up at the same zeal since three-and-a-half years.

Monks and volunteers took up the cleanliness drive with brooms and baskets after the flagging off.

About 150 volunteers were divided into four groups with every group assigned the task of cleaning areas in front of the Circuit House Circle, around the bus shelter, painting the bus shelter and road dividers. Volunteers also visited households in the neighbourhood to create cleanliness awareness.

The Circuit House Circle looked afresh even as the bus shelter looked anew after the drive.

Efforts were on to remove the garbage piling up in the area near Karanglpady area. Volunteers visited shops and homes requesting them not to throw garbage in the area and to keep the area clean which had proved effective.

Compound walls of public buildings in the area were repaired and awareness painting and writings have now adorned the walls. Railings installed in the location were extended and old ones got a fresh coat of paint.