Swachhata Hi Seva campaign begins
SHILLONG, Sep 17: Meghalaya has pledged to become one of the cleanest states in India with the launch of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign in the state on Tuesday.
The campaign was launched by the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), PHE Department, and Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Urban Affairs Department, with the objective of strengthening voluntarism and collective action for Swachh Bharat while celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ fortnight will be observed from September 17 to October 2, with the theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.’
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, in charge of the Urban Affairs Department, stressed the importance of a clean environment and the responsibility of each citizen to play their part in ensuring it.
He highlighted that the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, is a crucial programme that requires public participation to succeed.
The Deputy CM mentioned that the Urban Affairs Department has allocated significant funds for infrastructure development, including Rs 5.8 crore for footpath renovation in Iewduh and a proposed Rs 15 crore for upgrading the traditional market.
The revamped market will feature separate sections for vegetables, wet markets, and clothing.
Moreover, Dhar shared his vision to make Meghalaya one of India’s top tourism destinations within five years, emphasising the importance of cleanliness in achieving this goal. This aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s objectives, which include improving health, safety, dignity, and economic benefits for citizens.
The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, RM Kurbah, highlighted the citizens’ responsibility in taking the pledge to ensure that cleanliness is maintained, while also reflecting on what can be done for the country.
She spoke about the working conditions of sanitation workers and the dignity of labour, raising awareness that they should be respected for their contributions. Kurbah mentioned that 70 e-vehicles have been earmarked by the government, of which 67 have been received and are functional for carrying waste from households.
To mark the launch of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, the Swachhata pledge was also administered.
The objective of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 is to facilitate large-scale advocacy and citizen participation for Swachhata (cleanliness), organise mega cleanliness drives and clear dirty and difficult garbage spots (black spots), recognise the contribution of sanitation workers, celebrate the achievements over the past decade, and reaffirm our commitment to the future of sanitation and sustainable waste management in India.
Joint Secretary and Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, JP Lakiang, remarked that the presence of everyone at the programme reflects the collective commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness and hygiene, which forms the bedrock of a healthy and progressive society.
“The Swachh Bharat Mission has always been not only a sanitation initiative but a movement transforming our lifestyles and instilling values that elevate communities,” he said.
As part of Swachhata Hi Seva, three pillars of activities are being carried out — Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), Shramdaan activities aimed at the time-bound transformation of target units and general cleanliness; ‘Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari,’ promoting public participation, awareness, and advocacy; and ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs,’ which conduct preventive health checkups and provide social security coverage for sanitation workers.
Other dignitaries present at the programme included Joint Secretary, Government of Meghalaya and CEO of Shillong Municipal Board, PK Boro, Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Meghalaya, Urban Affairs Department, K Kharumnuid, and other officials from allied departments.
Also present were students and teachers from various schools and colleges, NCC cadets, village headmen, and self-help group members.