As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil visited the Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh today. His visit was aimed at observing the significant progress and implementation of various sanitation and water conservation initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), reinforcing the importance of sustaining cleanliness efforts in rural India.

The ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign, with its theme of 'Swabhaav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata', is being held from 17^th September to 1^st October. The campaign will be culminating with Gandhi Jayanti on 2^nd October, which is also the 10^th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The SHS campaign focuses on behavioral change and community participation to maintain cleanliness and sanitation across India.

In his opening address, the Shri Paatil highlighted, "Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, we are entering a new chapter in the Swachhata journey. As we approach 2^nd October, a day marking 10 years of the Swachh Bharat Mission, we should all do our bit by participating in Shramdaan in our villages and towns. Our collective efforts over the past decade have transformed the sanitation landscape of India. Chhattisgarh, like the rest of the country, has played a pivotal role in this transformation, and today I urge everyone to continue their dedication as we move forward with renewed commitment and energy.”

Key SHS 2024 Activities in Chhattisgarh:

• 5,631 Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) planned, with 2,071 transformed CTUs involving 1.3 lakh volunteers.
• 29,951 Swachhata Mein Bhagidari events, with over 10.48 lakh participants, fostering community ownership of local sanitation systems.
• Over 32,000 sanitation workers benefited from health camps, and 26,000 sanitation workers were provided with PPE kits through 2,332 SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs.

Chhattisgarh's Sanitation Progress:

• 67% villages declared ODF Plus Model.
• 73% villages have arrangements for Solid Waste Management.
• 94% villages have Liquid Waste Management systems in place.
• Chhattisgarh has achieved ODF Plus Model status for 13,033 villages, with a goal to declare all villages ODF Plus by December 2024.

During the visit, Shri Paatil witnessed firsthand the innovative waste-to-art installations created by the local community, the transformative impact of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), and the successful ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ tree plantation initiative. The ‘Mission Jal Raksha’ programme, aimed at water conservation, was highlighted with the Minister inspecting the percolation tank site in Barga village, showcasing local efforts to preserve and replenish water resources.

A notable highlight was the declaration of Rajnandgaon and Dongargaon blocks as ODF Plus Model blocks, underscoring the district's commitment to Sampoorna Swachhata and waste management.

The Union Minister also inaugurated the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Baghara, which was a significant step towards sustainable waste management. He also visited the Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) in Amlidih village, where he interacted with Swachhata Didis, sanitation workers leading local cleanliness efforts.

This visit by Union Minister demonstrates the government’s ongoing resolve to make the vision of a Sampoorna Swachh Bharat a permanent reality. The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign continues to unite communities in their mission towards a cleaner and more sustainable India.

*****

VM

(Release ID: 2060008) Visitor Counter : 605