New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, today launched a nationwide cleanliness drive as part of the Swachchhta Hi Sewa 2024 initiative. The event, held at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, is a key part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote a clean and green India under the Swachh Bharat Mission, marking the 10th anniversary of its inception in 2014.
In the presence of Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Union Minister inaugurated the newly developed “Matri Van” inside the zoo premises, which was created through an intensive cleanliness drive. Both ministers, alongside enthusiastic children, planted saplings to mark the occasion, symbolizing the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and cleanliness.
Bhupender Yadav encouraged participants to embrace cleanliness and environmental stewardship, urging them to serve Mother Earth. He highlighted the importance of adopting the core principles of Swabhav (behavior), Sanskar (values), Zimmedari (responsibility), and Bhaagidari (collective participation) in making the Swachchhta Hi Sewa campaign a success.
Across India, forest departments joined the initiative, with plantation drives organized in 111 Nagar Vans (urban forests) and 55 Tiger Reserves. These efforts underline the government’s dedication to increasing green cover and preserving biodiversity.
During the event, the Union Minister administered a Swachchhta pledge to the participants, reinforcing the shared responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. A nukkad natak (street play) performed by school children further engaged the audience, spreading awareness about the importance of cleanliness in everyday life.
More than 100 students and teachers actively took part in the campaign, participating in both the cleanliness drive and the plantation activities, thereby promoting environmental stewardship among the younger generation.
