In line with the Government of India’s vision of a Swachh Bharat, the Ministry of Mines is set to launch the Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) Campaign 2024 from September 14, 2024, culminating on October 2, 2024.

The Ministry has planned a series of activities across its various departments and field offices, focusing on cleanliness, fitness, and environmental sustainability, with a special emphasis on the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" tree-planting initiative. Extensive cleanliness drives will be conducted in ministry offices, mining areas, and public spaces, particularly targeting hard-to-clean spots.

As part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative, led by Secretary, Mines, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, 100 plants will be planted in New Delhi on September 16, 2024, encouraging citizens and employees to plant trees across designated locations, enhancing green cover in line with environmental goals. All employees of the Ministry and its field offices will also take a Swachhata Pledge on 17^th September 2024 to reinforce their commitment to a cleaner environment.

The campaign will engage local communities, school children, and citizens through marathons, walkathons, and cyclathons, promoting cleanliness and fitness. Special health camps for sanitation workers, known as Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs, will provide health check-ups, distribute PPE kits, and offer links to social welfare schemes. The Ministry will also lead efforts to transform neglected areas into clean, sustainable spaces with active community participation through the Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) initiative.

To raise awareness about environmental conservation, Ministry dignitaries will visit Geo-heritage and Geo-tourism sites, promoting cleanliness and responsible tourism at these locations. The campaign will feature cultural events, including poster-making competitions, essay writing, and school activities to involve youth in the Swachhata mission. On October 2, 2024, sanitation workers will be honoured for their vital contributions to cleanliness throughout the campaign.

Special initiatives during SHS 2024 will include the beautification of reclaimed mine areas, where six sites will undergo extensive plantation drives to create green belts. Mineral-exhausted sites will be transformed into public gardens, recreational spots, and fruit orchards, promoting sustainability and community engagement. Unused rock samples and aluminium scrap will be repurposed to create sculptures and structures, showcased as part of the best out of waste initiative.

The Ministry of Mines calls on citizens to actively participate in this mission for a cleaner and greener India. The "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability as part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission.

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ST