In order to spread awareness on sanitation and cleanliness in rail premises and make hygiene a habit amongst the travelling public, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday launched Swachchhta Saptah under the Swachchh Rail Swachh Bharat Mission from New Delhi Railway Station.
The Indian Railways is organising a special nine-day long public outreach programme scheduled from September 17- 25. Stating that this day coincidentally marked the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prabhu said that it is befitting that the Swachchhta Saptaah should commemorate his lofty vision and goals.
The Railway Ministry also announced to join hands with sanitation pioneer Sulabh International to clean some important railway stations across the country. To being with these railway stations are Gorakhpur, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Ahemdabad and Gwalior. While lauding the effort of Sulabh International in the field of sanitation, Prabhu said steps will be worked out to seek assistance of Sulabh movement founder, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak for cleaning and maintenance of big stations. At the function, Prabhu also unveiled a 500-kg laddoo to mark Modi’s birthday.
“Indian Railways is committed to continue this Cleanliness drive on sustained basis. The Indian Railways appeals to all rail users to express their solidarity through greater public support and an active public co-operation to make the Railways a place of pride and rail journey a pleasant experience,” Prabhu stated.
Declaring Prime Minister’s birthday as “Clean India Day”, Pathak, who waged a campaign for clean India for more than four decades said the 500kg laddoo is just a token of appreciation of the efforts being taken by the Prime Minister through his clean India initiative.