Swachhata Pakhwada 2024: Satish Kumar Reinforcing Indian Railways' Commitment to Cleanliness and Sustainability

The initiative, marked by sapling distribution and awareness campaigns, emphasizes public participation in promoting a clean environment from October 1 to 15, 2024.

Shri Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, inaugurated the Swachhata Pakhwada program today at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. This initiative, running from October 1 to 15, 2024, is a significant effort by Indian Railways to reinforce its commitment to promoting a clean and green environment. In conjunction with the event, approximately 2,000 saplings were distributed to Railway officials under the campaign titled ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in the Name of Mother).

At the inaugural ceremony, Shri Satish Kumar administered the Swachhata Pledge in the conference hall of Rail Bhawan. Senior Railway officials from field units across India participated via video conferencing, officially inaugurating the Swachhata Pakhwada in their respective regions. During his address, Shri Satish Kumar urged Railway officials to uphold cleanliness not just during the campaign but throughout the year, emphasizing that cleanliness is a continuous effort. He acknowledged the contributions of General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) over the past decade, calling for enhanced focus on random inspections, surprise checks, cleanliness monitoring, and effective disposal of scrap materials.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which is being celebrated with the campaign Swachata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024. The campaign aims to make India cleaner and healthier through various initiatives. A wide range of cleanliness-related events is being organized, including Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari, Sampoorna Swachhata, and Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi (Cleanliness Target Units). A total of 20,135 Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) have been identified, with 48,739 cleanliness-related events and 26,524 Jan Bhaagidari events conducted across Indian Railways as part of the SHS campaign. Furthermore, 2,080 SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs and health camps have been organized to support the well-being of SafaiMitras.

A comprehensive day-to-day activity program has been developed for all Railway field units, focusing on cleaning railway tracks adjacent to stations and in urban and semi-urban areas. Activities include cleaning drains, toilets, railway colonies, and Railway buildings. Extensive awareness campaigns will be conducted via digital media and public announcements to educate the public about using bio-toilets, minimizing single-use plastics, and adopting sustainable cleanliness habits.

As part of the inaugural event, a skit was performed by Railway Board officials to raise awareness about cleanliness among the public. Shri Satish Kumar also recognized the winners of an essay competition on ‘Swabhav Swachhata - Sanskaar Swachhata’ (Clean Nature - Clean Values), presenting them with awards. Additionally, a health camp was organized for Railway Board personnel involved in cleanliness initiatives, benefiting approximately 120 individuals.

Indian Railways remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting cleanliness campaigns through a ‘Whole of Society Approach,’ promoting public participation and ensuring that sanitation becomes a shared responsibility among all citizens.