Ministry of Railways has launched Swachhata Pakhwada 2023 today. Swachhata Pakhwada – 2023 was inaugurated by Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO, Railway Board on 15^th September, 2023 by administrating Swachhata Pledge in Rail Bhawan. Swachhata pledge was administered to entire Railway family which includes employees of Railways along with senior officials of Railway Zones and Divisions connected via video conferencing.

Swachhata Pledge taken by entire Railway family focused on one’s commitment towards cleanliness, devoting hundred hours per year for cleanliness and propagating the message of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Ministry of Railways is observing Swachhata Pakhwada from 16^th September 2023 to 30^th September 2023. Ministry of Railways has extended it suo-moto up to 02^nd October and has decided to culminate it with Mahatama Gandhi’s Jayanti.

This year, joint campaign of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Ministry of Jal Shakti namely ‘Swachhata hi Sewa’ (SHS) Campaign (from 15.09.23 to 02.10.23) is also being celebrated. Activities of SHS have been integrated with Indian Railways’ Swachhata Pakhwada programme.

For Swachhata Pakhwada – 2023, dedicated days have been assigned for activities during pakhwada like Swachh Railgadi, Swachh Station, Swachh Aahar, Swachh Tracks etc. Extensive awareness campaign are also planned  to be carried out through digital media/public announcement via PA systems to educate people about the use of bio-toilets, avoiding single use plastic and observing cleanliness habits.

In order to ensure greater participation & more effective outcome of the  fortnight, Swachhata Pakhwada Awards have been provided to each ministry by Ministry of Jal Shakti (nodal Ministry) for awarding to field functionaries/ attached offices/ subordinate organizations for exemplary performance during pakhwada period. Previous year Swachhata Pakhwada – 2022 awards have been given to following zonal railways:

• 1st  Position: South Western Railway;
• 2nd  Position: Western Railway;
• 3rd   Position: North Eastern Railway.

Indian Railways is an environment friendly means of bulk transportation and it has always been in the forefront of promoting clean and green environment. It has taken several initiatives for providing clean environment in and around Railway stations and trains  such as Bio toilets on coaches leading to clean tracks, segregation of bio degradable/non bio degradable waste, solid waste management, discourage use of single use plastic etc.

***

YB

(Release ID: 1957815) Visitor Counter : 5830