Bengaluru: As charity begins at home, keeping the surroundings clean and hygienic too starts at home. This keeps the city clean and tidy, said Lokayukta Justice Dr. Bhaskar Rao here on Sunday.

Overseeing a cleaning drive taken up by the BBMP in association with the Mata Amrutanandamayi Ashram at KR Market, Justice Rao called upon Bengalureans to join hands with the BBMP in keeping the city clean. It will help combat epidemics and curb mosquito menace. The BBMP has been giving priority to keep the city clean, he said.

BBMP commissioner M. Lakshmina­rayan said the cleaning drive at KR Market will be a weekly event. He suggested traders dump the waste at the designated place to help the BBMP lift it. The BBMP will make efforts to prevent flooding of the market during the rainy season, he said.

After noticing stagnating water at the market’s basement, the commissioner directed the officials to pump out the water and repair the drainage system. He said the drains have to be kept clean for water to flow out easily.  Students from Mata Amrutanandamayi Engineering College participated in the drive.