More than 5,000 people joined a mass cleanliness drive led by NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) in Neyveli on Thursday as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign.

Employees, school children, residents and local bodies took part in the drive, which covered markets, bus stands, railway stations and other public places across the township.

Similar drives were held by other public sector units. PFC organised a cleanliness campaign in Delhi, and POWERGRID held a cleanliness awareness rally in Faridabad.

The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s message of cleanliness. NLCIL has been among the leading public sector companies in cleanliness activities and was ranked first among PSUs in Swachhata Pakhwada events last year.

Officials said such mass participation drives help spread awareness on waste segregation, banning single-use plastics and keeping public spaces clean as part of everyday life.

The campaign also included awareness sessions on plastic waste and tree plantation in several locations. NLCIL officials said the company will continue such drives through the year, with employees and residents participating in keeping the township green and clean.