Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur on Wednesday launched mega cleanliness drives across India under the Swachchh Bharat 2022 programme from Chandani Chowk, in Delhi. Similar Cleanliness Drives were undertaken in all villages and districts across the country.
A “swachhta” pledge was also administered on this occasion. Secretary Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Sanjay Kumar and other officers of the Ministry were also present on this occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Thakur said that ‘Swachh Bharat’ is not just a programme but it reflects the genuine concerns of the common man and their resolve to address the issue head on.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always reiterated 'Jan Bhagidari se Jan Andolan' and said any campaign is incomplete without participation of the youth. “Without fulfilling the dream of Swachh Bharat, the dream of a New India, a Developed India cannot be fulfilled,” he said. Thakur said that the programme commenced with the objective of collection of one crore kg of waste in the span of one month. “We have already collected 84 lakh kg of plastic waste in a matter of 18 days and are set to surpass the target. This work was carried out in historical places, community centers, schools, villages and other places in districts.
“People particularly youth, irrespective of their background and affiliations, are not only participating in programme but playing a pivotal role in motivating others to join the programme purely on a voluntary basis,” he said. Thakur said “without cleanliness we cannot ensure good health and wellbeing of people.”
The Union Minister urged that we have to be the ambassadors of 'Clean India'.
“For this, we need to create awareness and change the people's mindset. The minister also urged the youth to dedicate two years of the Diwali festival to keep the surroundings clean,” he said. A month-long nationwide Swachh Bharat 2022 programme was launched by Thakur at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh from October 1, 2022.
Swachh Bharat 2022 programme is being organised in 6 Lakh villages of 744 districts across the country through the network of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) affiliated Youth Clubs & National Service Scheme Affiliated Institutions.