Swachhata Pakhwada–Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 is witnessing massive participation from the people across the nation. Citizens are coming together to clean their neighbourhood, public places, bus stops, metro stations, railways tracks, hills, beaches and tourist destinations, garbage dumps.

Navi Mumbai is seeing mass participation from SafaiMitras, citizens, youngsters, school students, ULB and corporation officials, celebrities, men and women alike. The city presented a beautiful amalgamation of innovative swachhata activities, symbolizing inclusive sanitation. Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra witnessed a massive citizen participation and mobilization through various initiatives and campaigns. But what stood out for the city was the participation of people from the transgender community.

The community took the onus for swachhata and took it upon themselves as responsible citizens to spread awareness about the entire Swachhata Hi Seva campaign in particular about the objective of the Swachh Bharat Mission and the need for proper sanitation in general. Over 250 transgenders in the city conducted a mass cleanliness drive at mini sea shore of Vashi Ward during ISL 2.0. “Safai Do Mat - Safai Karo” was the message that was conveyed by Navi Mumbai's transgenders for the Swachhata Hi seva fortnight at traffic signals in the city. The campaign name highlighted the need to not complain but to act for swachhata to make the city garbage free. Dressed in sarees, sporting white caps, and surrounded by key swachhata components like twin bins, campaign standees and placards, they quickly garnered attention of the motorists passing by. Their unique initiative of promoting waste segregation was also well appreciated by the passers-by.

Through this innovative campaign, the transgenders focused on inclusive sanitation and became drivers of change. They have set an example for everyone to be motivated to contribute even the smallest bit to make India garbage free because every effort counts.

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RKJ/M