Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took part in the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ drive at Girgaon Chowpatty on Thursday, underscoring the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility. The event marks a significant effort in the ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at promoting sanitation and public health.
The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, launched by the Thane Municipal Corporation on Tuesday, is part of a broader initiative celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. This year’s campaign, known as Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign 2024 (SHS 2024), is set to run from September 17 to October 2.
At Girgaon Chowpatty, Chief Minister Shinde, accompanied by party members, actively participated in the cleanliness drive, personally collecting waste and filling garbage bags. The event was highlighted by visuals of Shinde engaged in the cleaning effort, which received positive attention on social media.
Shinde praised the initiative’s impact, noting, “PM Modi started this campaign in 2014-2015. A lot of people made several comments then. But today we all can see that this campaign is very successful not just in Mumbai but in the entire country.” He expressed his gratitude to the cleaning staff, calling them “the true youth of Maharashtra,” and acknowledging their vital role in maintaining public cleanliness.
The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign is designed to boost public involvement in sanitation efforts and reinforce the importance of a clean environment. This initiative encourages widespread participation from individuals, communities, and organizations across the nation.
Key components of the campaign include:
- Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs): Focused efforts on transforming specific areas through scheduled cleanliness activities.
- Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari: Public engagement through participatory activities to raise awareness and advocacy for cleanliness.
The Department of Health Research, alongside its autonomous body, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is spearheading this campaign, involving its 27 institutes across the country to ensure broad-based engagement.
As the campaign progresses, it aims to foster a culture of cleanliness and enhance public health standards through collective action and community involvement.
