– Sanitation workers are Mumbai’s real heroes – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Mumbai :- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ in 2014 and over the years, the abhiyan (campaign) has transformed into a movement. As a result, the campaign is being effectively implemented across the country today. Cleanliness is the key to good health, and in Mumbai, the ‘Deep Clean Drive’ initiative focuses on cleaning, sweeping, and cleaning the roads with water. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked that this initiative has significantly reduced pollution in Mumbai and acknowledged that sanitation workers are the true heroes of the city.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva- 2024’ (SHS) state-level abhiyan (campaign) from Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Guardian Minister of Mumbai City District Deepak Kesarkar, Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department Dr. K.H. Govindraj, Mumbai District Collector Sanjay Yadav, BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, along with Army officers, NCC students, NGOs, sanitation workers, citizens and other dignitaries.
Launched by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the state-level ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 abhiyan’ (campaign) will continue until 2nd October, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The campaign’s concept, ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’, will be implemented in both urban and rural areas across the state. Chief Minister Shinde urged everyone to actively participate in this Cleanliness Fortnight campaign. As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Abhiyan, a zero-waste program is being introduced at tourist spots by establishing R.R.R. (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Centres. Additionally, initiatives like tree plantation and beautification are being carried out under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ program. Areas previously neglected in terms of cleanliness have been identified, and a three-pronged plan is in place to ensure their long-term cleanliness. The success of this campaign, according to the Chief Minister, depends on everyone’s participation.
The Chief Minister affirmed that Maharashtra will continue to lead in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, emphasizing that the state will not fall behind in its commitment to the campaign. He noted that Maharashtra currently ranks number one in the country for its efforts. As part of this initiative, the BMC has planted 1.5 lakh trees during the monsoon season. The campaign has registered 9,359 programs and identified 4,520 locations under the Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU) where waste collection efforts will be carried out. Additionally, 4,111 public participation programs will be implemented to ensure widespread community involvement.
At Girgaon Chowpatty, Chief Minister Shri. Shinde personally initiated the cleanliness drive. He operated a tractor, using machinery to collect garbage, symbolizing his hands-on involvement. Additionally, he signed a placard with the message, “Let’s destroy bad ideas, clean up our Maharashtra,” reinforcing the mission of the campaign.
