CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: After assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide initiative known as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The impact of this campaign can be seen from villages to cities across the country, making it one of India’s largest behavioral change movements.
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, shared this during a one-day media workshop titled ‘Vartalap’ held in Bhopal. The workshop was organized by PIB Bhopal in collaboration with Bhopal Municipal Corporation under the theme “A Decade of Cleanliness, A Special Initiative for Clean Bhopal.” Dr. Murugan mentioned that, with the construction of over 115 million toilets nationwide, India has made significant progress in the ten years since the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched. He noted that a positive change has been observed throughout the country, with significant improvements in people’s lifestyles. He emphasized the importance of everyone’s participation in the cleanliness drive.
Murugan also highlighted that even in government offices, unused files, some untouched for 40 years, were disposed of, and vehicles over 15 years old were scrapped to promote cleanliness. He praised the efforts made in Bhopal, citing how Bhopal Municipal Corporation transformed the Bhanupr Khandi into a beautiful golf course-like field. He added that Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s innovative waste management strategies, including using hazardous waste as a fuel source, have become a model for other cities.
Dr. Murugan commended the role of the media in the cleanliness campaign and urged journalists to spread awareness of the efforts being made under the Swachh Bharat Mission. He also praised PIB Bhopal for organizing the media workshop on Swachh Bharat Mission.
Bhopal MP Alok Sharma also addressed the gathering, noting that, after Mahatma Gandhi, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who emphasized cleanliness. Since 2014, special campaigns for cleanliness have been launched across villages and cities under PM Modi’s leadership, with active participation from social organizations and the public. Sharma also highlighted his “Roko-Toko” campaign during his tenure as mayor and called on people to make Bhopal a clean and green city.
Mayor Malti Rai praised the contribution of social organizations in keeping Bhopal clean and beautiful, mentioning the establishment of utensil banks in several wards and the awareness spread by the cleanliness kitty group about waste segregation.
During the workshop, Bhopal Municipal Commissioner Harendra Narayan presented the corporation’s efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission through a PowerPoint presentation. Women and representatives from organizations recognized for their remarkable work in cleanliness were also honored.
The workshop began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan, Bhopal MP Alok Sharma, Mayor Malti Rai, Municipal Commissioner Harendra Narayan, and PIB Bhopal’s Additional Director General Prashant Pathrabe. The workshop aimed to promote constructive, positive, and developmental journalism in the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
