It’s Day 7 of SHS 2024 campaign, themed "Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata," and a noteworthy milestone has already been achieved! In just seven days since the campaign began, 25% of the identified Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) have already been transformed into clean spaces and beautified. More than 5 lakh CTUs - dark, difficult, and neglected spots - have been targeted for cleanliness drives across the nation. This initiative is one the significant pillars of the two-week campaign running from 17^th Sept., to 2^nd Oct., 2024, as Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U) completes an iconic decade of swachhata.

For SHS 2024, more than 15 lakh events are taking place nationwide under the three pillars of Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi (CTUs), Swachhata Mein Jan Bhaagidaari and SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir, engaging over 3 Crore citizens. So far, cleanliness initiatives in CTUs are actively underway in over 4 lakh locations nationwide, showcasing impressive participation across various States. Over 1 lakh such units have already been transformed. Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront, having cleaned and transformed over 45,000 CTUs. Tamil Nadu follows closely with more than 28,000 units addressed, while Bihar has successfully tackled over 19,000 target areas, over 18,000 CTUs have already been transformed in Rajasthan, whereas Andhra Pradesh has completed transformation for nearly 17,000 target locations.

As part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, over 1 million trees have been planted so far. In the past week, more than 7,000 food streets were cleaned, and nearly 50,000 cultural festivals showcasing regional traditions were held.

Various Central Ministries are actively participating in Swachhata Hi Seva with large-scale cleanliness drives at designated CTUs, as well as plantation drives, cyclothons, plogathons, and cultural festivals. Leading from the front many State CMs initiated cleanliness drives at CTUs, launched SafaiMitra Shivirs, offered shramdaan, as the campaign rolled out nationally. Union Ministers also joined the ground action by actively participating in pledges, plantation drives, and other initiatives across the nation.

Reaffirming their dedication to cleanliness in every aspect of daily life, states, urban local bodies, gram panchayats, faith organizations, NGOs, CPSUs, central ministries, and other state governments have united in action for Swachhata Hi Seva 2024. With growing momentum and active participation nationwide, the visible impact on the ground is significant. This collective effort not only strengthens the campaign but also advances the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban, aiming for garbage-free cities.

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Sushil Kumar