Nirmal Chettri leads sanitisation drive in his community during COVID-19 crisis

Sanitosation work in Sikkim by Nirmal Chettri

Nirmal Chettri, former Indian international defender, has been leading his local community in the fight against COVID-19. The Indian defender, who hails from Melli, Sikkim, organised and led a three-day-long sanitisation drive in his home town.

The drive took place from August 12-14 and was done by players and members of FC Melli. Nirmal laid the foundation of FC Melli two years ago with the aim of helping local football players get more exposure. Under the initiative, they sanitised the main market in the village and key areas such as hospitals, banks, ATMs, police station and check-posts.

Nirmal Chettri’s says he felt enthusiastic with the drive

*Nirmal Chettri along with others cleaned the football ground*

He said: “The current circumstances are challenging. I strongly feel that is my duty to help the people around me in the best way possible. I had the idea of organising a sanitisation drive in my village and discussed it with my friends and senior players. They all were enthusiastic about it and we decided to go ahead with it.”

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Nirmal explained the importance of ensuring sanitization of key areas in the village and especially the local market. Many people are dependent on the local market for their livelihoods.

“The market in my village is a big one and many local shopkeepers and people from neighbouring areas rely on it for their income. However, due to the threat of COVID-19, they were hesitant to come,” he informed.

“I am glad that with the sanitization being done successfully. It will enable people to remain safe while continuing with their daily activities. It makes me happy to see that my friends and I have been able to contribute in the fight against the coronavirus,” he continued.

On August 16, Nirmal also led an initiative to help clean the local football ground. The football ground was not used since the first imposition of the lockdown.

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