Chennai:
Southern Railway has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, with the Medical Department spearheading the first day’s activities on 14th September 2024. The day began with a Swachhata Pledge taken by the department, symbolizing a collective commitment to cleanliness.
Voluntary Shramdaan (Cleanliness) activities followed, where staff and volunteers actively participated in cleaning efforts. Swachhata banners and posters were displayed at key locations, promoting awareness of the importance of cleanliness.
A significant highlight of the day was the flagging-off of a waste collection vehicle by Dr. S. Kalyani, Medical Director, Perambur Railway Hospital, Dr V. Kannan, Chief Staff & Services Officer/Admin, Dr Priyashauthini, Chief Staff & Services Officer/Outpatient Department and Dr Lalitha, Assistant Chief Medical Director, Health & Family Welfare, Railway Hospital/Perambur.
With this initiative, Southern Railway has set the tone for a fortnight of cleanliness drives, aligning with the Swachh Bharat mission. The campaign in Southern Railway, including that of all the six divisions, workshops and field units, will continue until 2nd October 2024, with various teams across the zone participating to ensure the success of this initiative.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 – Overview
Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission, is a national campaign aimed at fostering a culture of cleanliness through collective participation and volunteerism. The campaign is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (Ministry of Jal Shakti). It is being observed from 17th September to 1st October 2024, with a curtain raiser on 14th September, culminating in the observance of Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2nd October 2024, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
This year’s campaign theme, Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata, emphasizes cleanliness as both a personal habit and a societal value. The campaign seeks to enhance public awareness and participation in cleanliness initiatives across various sectors, including Railways, government institutions, and local communities.
The theme for ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ 2024, “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata” seeks to reignite the Indian Railways with collective action and citizen participation in cleanliness efforts across India. The pillars of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ have been identified which are :-
Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari,·Sampoorna Swachhata & Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi (CTU-Cleanliness target units) Safai Mitra Suraksha Shiv Indian Railways.
Indian Railways is an active participant in Swachhata Hi Seva 2024. The Railway Board Chairman and CEO, Shri Satish Kumar, highlighted the importance of visible improvements in cleanliness, not only at railway stations but also in trains, railway colonies, and production units. The Railways has set targets to engage the public in activities such as massive plantation drives, waste management efforts, cleanliness awareness campaigns, and shramdaan (voluntary cleaning activities).
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, activities which include cleaning of railway tracks, station premises, railway colonies, drains, and toilets, with a focus on high-traffic urban and semi-urban areas. The campaign also promotes the Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam mission (Plant a Tree in Mother’s Name), encouraging the planting of trees as part of the effort to integrate environmental responsibility into cleanliness. Indian Railways will adopt a holistic approach with an emphasis on public participation, ensuring that sanitation becomes a shared responsibility and everyone’s business.
