The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is actively promoting the Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) 2024 campaign. This campaign focuses on cleanliness across the country and is being conducted through MoRTH’s regional offices. The goal of the SHS campaign is to make India cleaner and healthier, and the ministry is working hard to achieve this by organizing different activities in various regions.
Swachhata Hi Sewa 2024 Campaign
The Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) campaign for 2024 emphasizes a clean and green India. The motto of this campaign is “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata,” which means that cleanliness should be part of our nature and culture. The Ministry has laid down various steps to engage people and institutions in this nationwide drive.
A. Swachhata ki Bhagidaari – This involves public participation in cleanliness. Everyone is encouraged to take part in keeping their surroundings clean and maintaining hygiene standards.
B. Sampoorna Swachhata – This focuses on complete cleanliness, including Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi, which means targeted units for cleanliness. The Ministry has set specific targets for various departments and regions to ensure cleanliness in all public spaces.
C. SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir – This initiative focuses on the safety of sanitation workers (SafaiMitras), who play a key role in keeping our streets and public areas clean.
National Cleanliness Drive Across Highways and Public Areas
The Ministry has laid out a detailed plan to conduct the SHS campaign throughout the country. The targets and achievements are measured in various ways, including:
- Planting Trees – The Ministry is committed to increasing the number of trees along highways. This not only helps in keeping the environment clean but also contributes to reducing pollution. The campaign has a target of planting over 4 lakh saplings across different regions, with more than 3.93 lakh saplings already planted.
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – This special initiative encourages people to plant a tree in their mother’s name. This connects the cleanliness drive with personal responsibility, inspiring individuals to participate.
- Swachhata Run and Cyclathons – The Ministry has organized multiple cleanliness runs and cyclathons to create awareness about keeping roads and public places clean. So far, 308 such events have been successfully held, involving people from all walks of life.
- Beautification of Flyovers – As part of the SHS campaign, the Ministry is working to beautify flyovers and other major public structures. This includes painting and cleaning, ensuring these areas remain clean and visually appealing. 113 flyovers have already undergone beautification.
Road Safety and Maintenance
Another important part of the SHS campaign is maintaining highway cleanliness and road safety. The Ministry has set high targets for ensuring that roads are free from potholes, and proper maintenance is carried out regularly. So far, more than 2,941 km of roads have been made pothole-free, and 888 km of drainage systems have been unclogged to prevent waterlogging and maintain road safety.
Street Lighting and Use of Plastic in Road Construction
The Ministry has also focused on the rectification of street lights, covering 888 km, and has encouraged the use of plastic waste in road construction. Using plastic waste helps in road building and contributes to reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Around 156 km of roads have already been built using plastic waste, contributing to sustainable development.
Cleanliness at Public Spaces: Dhaba, Toll Plazas, Bus Stops
The SHS campaign is also working to keep public spaces like dhabas, toll plazas, and bus stops clean. The Ministry has reached over 17,871 public places across the country. These locations, often visited by travelers, are now undergoing regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure hygiene and a pleasant environment for the public.
Key Initiatives for SafaiMitra Safety
The SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir initiative ensures the safety of sanitation workers. These workers, who play a crucial role in cleaning public spaces, are provided with necessary safety equipment and training to protect their health. The Ministry has held 1,062 safety camps, reaching out to thousands of sanitation workers across the country, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to carry out their work safely.
Achievements So Far
The Ministry has already achieved significant milestones under the SHS 2024 campaign. Some key achievements include:
- 3.93 lakh saplings have been planted under various programs.
- 54194 saplings have been planted by different organizations and individuals through initiatives like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
- 2,941 km of roads have been made free from potholes.
- Beautification of 113 flyovers has been completed.
- 11266 Swachhata pledges have been taken by citizens to maintain cleanliness in their local areas.
More to Come
While much has been achieved, the Ministry is still pushing forward to meet its ambitious targets for the SHS 2024 campaign. The Ministry will continue working with regional offices and other partners to ensure that highways, public spaces, and facilities across the country are clean and well-maintained.
The SHS campaign has become a national movement, with participation from government officials, private companies, and everyday citizens alike. Through activities like tree planting, cleanliness drives, and road safety measures, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways aims to make India cleaner and greener for everyone.
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