Oil India organising ‘Plogging Challenge’ as part of Swachh Bharat Mission

Plogging is an eco-friendly exercise through which people pick up trash/litter while jogging or brisk walking as a way to clean up litter and also take care of their health. Plogging, as an activity, was started in Sweden by Erik Ahlström in 2016.

Oil India Limited, Guwahati, has initiated this challenge with a vision towards creating awareness and public engagement among the residents of Guwahati. It is a campaign that intends to motivate people to actively take part in cleaning up their surroundings and, at the same time, take care of their health by competing with others. To encourage more people to participate, cycling, along with the main activities like running and walking, has also been included, which makes the challenge unique in a way.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, physical events with mass participation is not advisable. However, this virtual challenge has been initiated to encourage people to take part in physical activities and to motivate them to take part in clean-up activities.

Walking, running and cycling are the three activities that people can take part in. Participants can walk, run or ride for any distance and on any route at any time between 5 AM and 5 PM, as per convenience. However, they have to avoid going out during the curfew hours. It is a daily activity that started on July 4 and will end on July 15, 2021. Participants can start and end at any location or area, and they can go on the same route every day.

Also read: Watch: Guwahati cyclists come forward to help people fight COVID-19

To take part in this challenge, one has to first register for it, which is free. Anyone above 12 years of age can participate. After registering, a participant has to join a STRAVA Club named Guwahati Ploggers and join the event mentioned in it as per their chosen activity. During their activity, they have to collect trash/litter along the way and dispose of it properly in dustbins. Participants have to take photos or videos of these activities. They have to post their pictures or videos on social media using specific hashtags such as #SwachhataPakhwada & #OilGuwahatiPlog2021 to encourage more people to participate in the event. Later on, they have to upload all this information into a Google form to earn points.

The points-based system has been prepared to assess the participants whereby different points will be given. A participant can earn a maximum of ten points per day if all the steps are fulfilled. The participant with the maximum points at the end of the challenge will be declared the winner. Regular leader-boards (participant rankings table) will be prepared based on these points and shared.

Prizes will be given to the top three senior champions and one junior champion. One from each of the activities will be declared as the senior champion and one overall junior champion will be declared. T-Shirts will be given to the top 8 Senior participants in each of the activities and the top six overall Junior participants. E-Certificates will be given to all winners and participants.

This event is being managed by a social enterprise called Pedal for a Change. Click on https://www.pedalforachange.org/plogging to register and know the entire process.