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Raipur, September 28, 2024: As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Paatil today visited the Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh.
His visit was aimed at observing the significant progress and implementation of various sanitation and water conservation initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), reinforcing the importance of sustaining cleanliness efforts in rural India.
In the programme Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey and other digitories were present.
The ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, with its theme of ‘Swabhaav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata’, is being held from September 17 to October 1.
The campaign will be culminating with Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, which is also the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The SHS campaign focuses on behavioral change and community participation to maintain cleanliness and sanitation across India.
In his opening address, Union Minister Paatil highlighted, “under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are entering a new chapter in the Swachhata journey. As we approach 2nd October, a day marking 10 years of the Swachh Bharat Mission, we should all do our bit by participating in Shramdaan in our villages and towns. Our collective efforts over the past decade have transformed the sanitation landscape of India.”
“Chhattisgarh, like the rest of the country, has played a pivotal role in this transformation, and today I urge everyone to continue their dedication as we move forward with renewed commitment and energy,” he said.
Official sources said the key SHS 2024 Activities in Chhattisgarh are, 5,631 Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) planned, with 2,071 transformed CTUs involving 1.3 lakh volunteers.
29,951 Swachhata Mein Bhagidari events were conducted with over 10.48 lakh participants, fostering community ownership of local sanitation systems.
Over 32,000 sanitation workers benefited from health camps and 26,000 sanitation workers were provided with PPE kits through 2,332 SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs.
Talking about the progress in Sanitation works in Chhattisgarh, the sources said, 67 per cent villages have been declared ODF Plus Model.
73 per cent villages have arrangements for Solid Waste Management and 94 per cent villages have Liquid Waste Management systems in place.
Chhattisgarh has also achieved ODF Plus Model status for 13,033 villages, with a goal to declare all villages ODF Plus by December 2024, they added.
During the visit, Paatil witnessed firsthand the innovative waste-to-art installations created by the local community, the transformative impact of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), and the successful ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ tree plantation initiative.
The ‘Mission Jal Raksha’ programme, aimed at water conservation, was highlighted with the Minister inspecting the percolation tank site in Barga village, showcasing local efforts to preserve and replenish water resources.
A notable highlight was the declaration of Rajnandgaon and Dongargaon blocks as ODF Plus Model blocks, underscoring the district’s commitment to Sampoorna Swachhata and waste management.
The Union Minister also inaugurated the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Baghara, which was a significant step towards sustainable waste management.
He also visited the Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) in Amlidih village, where he interacted with Swachhata Didis, sanitation workers leading local cleanliness efforts.
This visit by Union Minister demonstrates the government’s ongoing resolve to make the vision of a Sampoorna Swachh Bharat a permanent reality. The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign continues to unite communities in their mission towards a cleaner and more sustainable India.
