The national capital, Delhi, today witnessed a significant occasion when a grand event Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath (‘One Day, One Hour,  Together) was organized on the banks of River Yamuna at Kalindi Kunj under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ initiative. This ceremony not only gave momentum to public awareness on river rejuvenation but also emphasized the importance of collective participation for cleaning of Yamuna. The presence of Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil and Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna further enhanced the dignity of the event.

Paying tribute on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, Shri C. R. Patil recalled with reverence his life’s core principles—service, simplicity and dedication to the nation. He said that today, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the effort of river conservation has gone beyond being a mere administrative responsibility and has become a collective duty of society. Shri Patil described the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River as a unique confluence of our cultural faith and environmental consciousness.

He also highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of "Swatantrata" and "Swachhata" continue to guide and inspire the nation. In his address, he made it clear that rejuvenating our rivers is essential for India’s bright future. Concluding his speech, he extended heartiest congratulations to all those associated with this sacred campaign, affirming that when a resolve is collective, transformation surely becomes historic. In India, cleanliness is not merely a matter of health or environment; it is the very soul of our civilization and culture. Based on this philosophy, the Ministry of Jal Shakti initiated the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, which has now transformed into a powerful national movement, stirring public consciousness.

The true strength of this campaign lies in its widespread participation. The active involvement of 139 District Ganga Committees and 2 municipalities has made it clear that the cleanliness of the Ganga and its tributaries is not just a government effort but a shared responsibility of the entire society. The readiness of local committees and public participation has further strengthened this mission.

The enthusiastic presence of children and youth at the program infused it with fresh energy. During the event, school children danced and sang to spread the message of river cleanliness, while various groups performed engaging street plays (nukkad nataks). Various activities organized in schools and colleges not only awakened awareness of cleanliness among young minds but also made the youth true representatives of this movement. The goal of this initiative was not merely to spread the message of cleanliness to every household but also to instill it as a permanent value in future generations

 

 

This event was not confined to formality but moved with clear and concrete goals. Each district resolved to involve 10,000 participants through rallies, cleanliness drives, awareness camps, and community initiatives. As a result, thousands of citizens came forward as volunteers, standing tall as true guardians of the Ganga’s cleanliness. The integration of “Swachhata Hi Seva” with the Namami Gange program was the greatest success of this campaign. By combining efforts like cleaning Ganga ghats, sewage management, and public awareness, it was demonstrated that technical solutions can only succeed when society itself becomes part of the mission.

It is worth noting that multi-dimensional efforts are already underway to make River Yamuna in Delhi clean and life-giving again. Out of 10 major projects, 9 have already been completed, showcasing the pace and seriousness of this mission. State-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plants at Okhla, Kondli, Rithala, and Coronation Pillar are now operating at full capacity. Beyond technical solutions, regular cleaning of riverbanks, initiatives for water recycling, and concrete steps to maintain ecological balance are also being carried out. These measures have not only helped in pollution control but have also laid the foundation for a sustainable solution towards restoring the purity and cleanliness of the Yamuna.

The active participation of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, MCD, and various institutions like YSS Foundation, Sakshambhoomi Foundation, Amity University, Zakir Husain College, PGDAV College, IMS College, Sunbreeze School, and the Government Boys School of Srinivaspuri, among many others, further strengthened the campaign.

***

MAM/AK/SMP

(Release ID: 2171171) Visitor Counter : 341