President Draupadi Murmu has called for everyone to move forward in building a Swachh Bharat, a Swasth Bharat, and a Vikasit Bharat. Only cleanliness can make the country healthy and developed. All countrymen should cooperate in this work coordinately for a developed nation. Madhya Pradesh has achieved a leading position in the field of urban and rural sanitation.
Many cities of Madhya Pradesh have been declared the best cities for cleanliness. Indore has been declared the cleanest city in the country for the 7th consecutive time. Bhopal has become the cleanest capital. The President congratulated Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and his entire team for their remarkable work in the field of cleanliness.
Murmu was addressing the felicitation ceremony of Safai Mitras in Ujjain on Thursday. He also honoured Safai Mitras Rashmi Tankle, Kiran Khode, Shobha Ghavri, Anita Chavre and Gopal Khare. The President also performed the bhoomi pujan of the Ujjain-Indore six-lane road to be built for Rs 1692 crore. At the outset, President Murmu was welcomed by Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Yadav who presented her a bouquet and a replica of Mahakal Lok. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Deora, Minister in-charge Gautam Tetwal, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat and Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Pratima Bagri were also present.
Murmu said that Avantika is the holy and pious city of Baba Mahakal. The Gupta period was the golden age of Indian history and at that time Ujjain was an important city of India with an ancient tradition of culture and civilization here. President Murmu said that 2000 years ago, Ujjain was an excellent center of transportation system besides being the center of international trade. The great poet Kalidas has given a wonderful depiction of the vastness and grandeur of Ujjaini in his Meghdoot. The importance that Alkapuri city has in Devlok, is the same importance that Ujjain city has on earth. I bow down to Baba Mahakal, Avantika city, and the holy Kshipra river.
The President said that many efforts are being made for the integrated development of Ujjain and the state. Bhoomi-pujan of Ujjain-Indore six lane road has been performed in Ujjain today. Vikram Udyogpuri Medical Devices Park is being built here. Expressways and elevated corridors are being built in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has made commendable efforts.
Murmu said that in the last 10 years, cleanliness in India has become a nationwide campaign. In the second phase of the cleanliness campaign, we have to achieve the goal of complete cleanliness in the country by 2025. Work is in progress towards total freedom from open defecation and excellence in solid and liquid waste management in the country. We have to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of cleanliness. I myself started my career with working for cleanliness. I was the Vice President in the Municipal Council and used to go to the wards and work for cleanliness and make people aware. Today, awareness about cleanliness has increased among the countrymen. Many cities of Madhya Pradesh have been awarded as 'Water+' and 'ODF++'.
Murmu said that sanitation workers are frontline cleanliness warriors. I feel proud to honour them today. We will protect the safety, dignity, and welfare of sanitation workers. "Manholes" are being abolished in the country and now "Machine Holes" are being made. Many schemes are being run to benefit the sanitation workers. Madhya Pradesh has done remarkable work in this field.
