ITANAGAR, Jun 24: The VIP Road from Gandhi Udyan Park in Itanagar received a thorough clean-up on June 23, courtesy of the Church of God World Mission Society (General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol). The event is part of the ‘8053rd World Environmental Clean-up Campaign,’ saw members of the Church of God.

An official from the church explained, “Members came together to practice God’s teaching ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Since a clean surrounding environment raises the happiness index, we hope this activity helps our area become a better place to live.”

Approximately 95 participants, including church members, their families, and neighbors, inspected a 1.5 km stretch of VIP Road, collecting household waste such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, disposable plastic cups, straws, used tissues, and plastic bags. The effort was so extensive that a garbage truck sent by the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) had to make two trips to collect all the waste.

The IMC expressed its gratitude by providing brooms, garbage bags, and garbage trucks to support the clean-up. Yukar Yaro, Co-operator of the IMC, praised the initiative, stating, “I am thankful to the Church of God and I will always support your volunteer services.”

One of the church members, Biro Dadda, emphasized their commitment by saying, “With the heart of Mother, we are always happy to work and help others.” Missionary Bracewell L Mawlong added, “We are honored to help people at such desperate times.”

The Church of God’s environmental clean-up activities span across various states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. They also organize annual blood donation drives, support social welfare facilities, assist with polio vaccinations, repair storm-damaged homes, and help rural workers.