Union Minister Visits Rajnandgaon for Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, visited Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh today. His visit aimed to check the progress of various sanitation and water conservation initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G). This effort is part of a larger movement to keep India’s rural areas clean and maintain the progress achieved in recent years.

The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign runs from 17th September to 1st October and will conclude on Gandhi Jayanti. This year’s theme, “Swabhaav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,” focuses on behavioral change and community involvement to encourage everyone to participate in keeping their surroundings clean.

A New Chapter in Swachh Bharat Mission

During his address, Shri Paatil praised the work done under the Swachh Bharat Mission, saying, “Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are entering a new phase of the Swachhata journey. As we approach 2nd October, marking 10 years of Swachh Bharat, let us continue our efforts by participating in Shramdaan (voluntary labor) in our villages and towns. Together, we have transformed India’s sanitation landscape. I urge everyone to stay dedicated as we move forward with renewed commitment.”

Key Activities Under Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has made impressive progress in its sanitation efforts. Some of the key activities in the state as part of the SHS 2024 campaign include:

• 5,631 Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) planned, with 2,071 already transformed, involving 1.3 lakh volunteers.
• 29,951 Swachhata Mein Bhagidari events held, engaging over 10.48 lakh participants, helping communities take ownership of local sanitation.
• Over 32,000 sanitation workers benefited from health camps, while 26,000 sanitation workers received PPE kits through 2,332 SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs (cleanliness worker safety camps).

Chhattisgarh’s Progress in Sanitation

Chhattisgarh has made substantial strides in achieving its sanitation goals:

• 67% of villages in Chhattisgarh have been declared ODF Plus Model.
• 73% of villages have put in place systems for Solid Waste Management.
• 94% of villages now have Liquid Waste Management systems.
• In total, 13,033 villages in Chhattisgarh have been declared ODF Plus Model, with a goal of making all villages ODF Plus by December 2024.

Innovative Initiatives in Rajnandgaon District

During his visit to Rajnandgaon, Shri Paatil witnessed several community-driven initiatives that aim to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Some of these include:

• Waste-to-art installations created by local communities, which use waste materials to create beautiful art pieces.
• The impact of the Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), which focus on transforming public spaces.
• The ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ tree plantation initiative, where trees are planted to honor mothers and contribute to environmental preservation.
• Mission Jal Raksha, a program dedicated to water conservation. The Minister inspected a percolation tank in Barga village, where local efforts are helping to preserve and replenish water resources.

Rajnandgaon Declared ODF Plus Model Block

One of the key moments of the visit was the declaration of Rajnandgaon and Dongargaon blocks as ODF Plus Model blocks. This milestone shows the district’s commitment to Sampoorna Swachhata (total cleanliness) and effective waste management.

Inauguration of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant

The Union Minister also inaugurated the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Baghara. This plant is a major step toward sustainable waste management in the region. He also visited the Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) in Amlidih village, where he interacted with Swachhata Didis, local women sanitation workers who are leading cleanliness efforts in their communities.

Promoting a Cleaner and Sustainable India

Shri Paatil’s visit shows the government’s commitment to making Sampoorna Swachh Bharat (a completely clean India) a lasting reality. The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign continues to inspire communities across the country to work together for a cleaner and more sustainable India.