The Indian Railways reported that over 2.14 lakh individuals engaged in 1,934 activities, accumulating a total of 6,62,990 man-hours during the initial 14 days of the “Swachhata Hi Sewa” (SHS) cleanliness campaign. Launched on September 15 by the chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, the campaign involved administering a cleanliness pledge to all railway employees at Rail Bhawan.
Participants in the initiative included railway employees, passengers, and other stakeholders, with the primary objective of fostering a greener and more eco-friendly railway system. The railway ministry underscored Indian Railways’ significant role in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, emphasizing its extensive nationwide network.
This year, the railway ministry joined the joint SHS campaign initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The SHS activities were seamlessly integrated with the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada.
Swachhata Hi Sewa 2023 campaign focuses on ‘Garbage Free India’
The theme for the Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign 2023 was ‘Garbage Free India.’ The ministry highlighted the transformative changes in cleanliness levels achieved since 2014 under the guidance of the Prime Minister.
Indian Railways has been at the forefront of promoting a clean and green environment, with initiatives such as bio-toilets on coaches, waste segregation, solid waste management, and discouraging single-use plastics. The ministry also emphasized the importance of cleanliness in and around railway stations and trains.
During the campaign, various activities like Swachh Samwaad, Swachh Railgaadi, Swachh Station, Swachh Parisar, Swachh Aahar, Swachh Parsadhan, and more were undertaken. Special attention was given to track cleanliness at stations, approach ways to major stations, and the elimination of plastic waste from railway premises.
To raise awareness, the SHS logo and banners were displayed on the railway’s website, and announcements were made in trains and at stations regarding proper waste disposal. “Prabhat pheris” and “nukkad nataks” were organized with the involvement of NGOs, religious bodies, and school children at railway stations.
Efforts were made to discourage open defecation in areas near stations, tracks, yards, and depot premises. The ministry also announced plans for a massive cleanliness drive led by the public on October 1, 2023, with volunteers contributing at least one hour of “shramdaan” as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Approximately 20,000 events have been scheduled for this significant cleanliness drive, with celebrities and social media influencers invited to participate in the “shramdaan.”