On September 28, 2024, senior officers and officials from the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, gathered to clean the Children’s Park near India Gate as part of the Swachhata Ki Bhagidari initiative. During the drive, plastic waste, dry leaves, twigs, and other garbage were collected and disposed of in designated dustbins. The event emphasized the importance of maintaining public spaces and aimed to set an example for the community to keep shared environments clean.
In addition to the cleanliness drive, the Department collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare to organize a health camp for Safai Mitras, who are the frontline workers responsible for keeping public areas clean. The health camp included routine checkups and blood tests, ensuring that the Safai Mitras were in good health. The workers were also given guidance on maintaining their health and well-being, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting the people who play a vital role in maintaining public cleanliness.
The Central Warehousing Corporation of India (CWC) and its regional offices also undertook various activities under Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 on September 28. The Regional Office (RO) in Hyderabad organized an essay writing and painting competition at Andhra Vidyalaya High School, Nampally, to raise awareness among students about the importance of cleanliness in daily life. Meanwhile, RO Guwahati hosted an art competition at Amingaon Bengali Prathamik Vidyalaya, where students learned about the significance of maintaining cleanliness.
The Kochi Region held an awareness camp for workers at various warehouses, educating them on the segregation of dry, wet, and electronic waste. Additionally, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits were distributed to the Safai Veers to ensure their safety during their work. In other activities, RWC Nashik and CW Kolhapur in the Mumbai Region organized a Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir, which included a felicitation ceremony to recognize the valuable services provided by the Safai Mitras.
In Goa, the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Verna conducted a cleanliness drive at the Mahalsa Temple and Three Kings Chapel as part of the Swachhata Ki Bhagidari initiative. Similarly, CW Miraj held an essay competition at Zila Parishad School in Kharsing and organized a Gram Sabha in the village to encourage the local community to participate in cleanliness efforts.
The Regional Office in Patna took part in the Swachhata campaign by organizing a Swachhata Pledge and a deep cleaning drive at CW Hazaribagh and Bihar Intermediate Council Bus Stop. During this drive, Swachhata kits were distributed to the Safai Mitras to assist them in their efforts to maintain cleanliness in the area.
Through these diverse initiatives, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, along with other regional offices and organizations, demonstrated a collective effort to instill a culture of cleanliness and health awareness across India. The active participation of officials, workers, and students emphasizes the importance of community involvement in promoting Swachhata and ensuring that public spaces remain clean and welcoming for everyone.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
