As the call of action for an hour of cleanliness drive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being well reciprocated, the nation is coming together as one united force to change the country’s sanitation landscape.Andhra Pradesh has also joined the bandwagon of states spearheading the preparations for the Swachhata Sharmdaan under Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Sath cleanliness drive at 10 am on Sunday, 1^st October 2023. Out of over 8 lakh events planned for the shramdaan nationwide, thousands have been lined up in Andhra Pradesh. It is imperative to chalk out an effective roadmap to execute those plans on ground, something which Andhra Pradesh seems to be ensuring.

Andhra Pradesh has been one of the most active and prolific states in terms of best sanitation practicessuch as RRR, solid waste management, single use plastic ban, waste segregation, waste water treatment and moreunder the Swachh Bharat Mission. Taking its tradition of key sanitation activities forward, Andhra is targeting to culminate Swachhata Pakhwada- Swachhata Hi Seva campaign on a positive note. To ensure large-scale public participation and mobilization, top state officials have stepped in are in a proactive mode right away. The Chief Secretary, Special Chief Secretaries of the Urban and Rural Departments, along with the C&DMA and Mission Director, SBM, are conducting video conferences with District Collectors, ULBs, and other field-level officers on regular basis.State ministers, MLAs and Mayors have launched posters to promote events. Every ULB has been instructed to create 2 events per village and 3 events per ward and participation of a minimum of 100 citizens in each event.To enhance event promotion, it is advised to engage local influencers, including public representatives and prominent citizens, in a broader outreach effort.It is instructed to involve Self Help Groups, MEPMA, NCC Cadets, NSS volunteers, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Associations, NGOs, and MEPMA, among others.

Some of the iconic locations in the state where shramdaan cleanliness drives have been planned include Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple, Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, Rama Krishna Beach, Rushi Konda Beach, Gandikota Fort, Undavalli cave, Krishna River Ghat and Godavari River Ghat among others. Respective eventswill be graced by prominent people from various fields with motivation and zest for cleanliness. Prominent figures like Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Karnam Malleshwari, public representatives, religious leaders, eminent citizens and other important section of people will engage in shramdaan to draw in the common citizens to contribute Ek Ghanta of shramdaan for swachhata.

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RKJ/M

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