SwachhtaPakhwada 2024: A Renewed Commitment to Cleanliness by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/3rd July 2024
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched the Swachhta Pakhwada-2024, beginning with an inaugural ceremony at Shastri Bhawan. The event was marked by the administration of the Swachhta Pledge, led by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and attended by senior officers and staff of the Ministry. The ceremony also featured Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
During his address, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri underscored the significance of the SwachhtaPakhwada initiative as part of the broader Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He emphasized that the Swachhta Abhiyan represents one of the most fundamental and transformative campaigns under the Prime Minister’s leadership, bringing a significant shift in public mindset toward cleanliness.
The Minister reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to fostering cleanliness practices across all departments. He highlighted the active participation of all stakeholders, including Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and attached offices under the Ministry, in promoting and sustaining these cleanliness practices.
Reflecting on the previous year’s SwachhtaPakhwada, Shri Puri spoke about various activities undertaken, including the construction of sanitation facilities, installation of hygiene infrastructure, and cleanliness drives in public spaces and offices. “Last year we carried out a range of activities under the ‘SwachhataPakhwada’ between 1 July and 15 July 2023 to demonstrate our commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6),” he said.
Shri Puri also celebrated the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which has significantly transformed India over the past nine years. He noted the construction of nearly 12 crore toilets across rural and urban areas, marked improvements in solid waste management, and the overall positive impact on health and hygiene practices. He highlighted that solid waste management in urban areas, which was almost non-existent at the mission’s inception, now stands at an impressive 77%. “According to the UN, households saved up to Rs. 50,000 due to better health and hygiene practices,” he added.
The Minister stressed the importance of maintaining a steadfast commitment to cleanliness and the need for making cities garbage-free. He advocated for the remediation of all legacy dumpsites through the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), aiming to continue the progress made and address ongoing challenges in urban sanitation.
The launch of Swachhta Pakhwada-2024 is a clear indication of the Ministry’s ongoing dedication to promoting and maintaining cleanliness across the nation. By integrating efforts from all departments and stakeholders, the Ministry aims to build on past successes and continue to improve the cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout India. This initiative not only supports the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but also contributes significantly to the overall health and well-being of the Indian population, making it a crucial aspect of the nation’s development agenda.
In conclusion, the Swachhta Pakhwada-2024 marks a renewed commitment to cleanliness by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, reinforcing the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission. With continued efforts and collective participation, the initiative aims to achieve sustainable cleanliness and hygiene standards, ultimately contributing to a healthier and cleaner India.
