*MC Chandigarh organizes Swachh Utsav to mark ‘Swachh Bharat Divas’ and ‘Gandhi Jayanti’*
*Pays Floral Tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi*
*Governor honors Safaimitras for their commitment to cleanliness and sustainability*
*Facilitates certificates of appreciation to Swachhata Champions, Women SHGs, and Stakeholders for their active participation in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign*
*Chandigarh, October 2:-* To express gratitude and honor the Safaimitras, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh organized ‘Swachh Bharat Divas’ and ‘ 155TH Gandhi Jayanti’ at Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38, recognizing their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in keeping the city clean.
Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, was the Chief Guest at the auspicious occasion. He honored the Safaimitras for their selfless service and also awarded appreciation certificates to Swachhata Champions (Youth), Women SHGs, and other stakeholders for their active participation and contributions to the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign.
Sh. Kuldeep Kumar, Mayor, Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Secretary, Local Body, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, MC Commissioner, Sh. Kuljeet Sandhu, Senior Deputy Mayor, Sh. Rajinder Sharma, Deputy Mayor, Sh. Yogesh Dhingra, Area Councilor; other councilors and officers of MCC and citizens of city beautiful were also present during the occasion.
The Governor emphasized the invaluable contributions of the Safaimitras and expressed deep appreciation for their honesty and dedication. He noted that cleanliness is next to godliness, a value espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, and that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to carry forward his legacy of sanitation. He urged everyone to work together to elevate Chandigarh’s ranking in the Swachh Survekshan.
The Governor also highlighted that Swachh Bharat Divas is a day dedicated to recognizing the commitment of Safaimitras toward creating a cleaner and garbage-free India. Their perseverance and dedication inspire us all, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar expressed his gratitude toward the Safaimitras and their families, commending their round-the-clock efforts to keep the city clean. He also acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders in the successful completion of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign. He said that this year’s campaign, themed “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,” reflects the commitment to cleanliness as both an action and a habit ingrained in citizen’s lives.
The Mayor highlighted that between September 17 and 30, cleanliness drives were conducted across 155 locations, including residential areas, commercial spaces, public toilets, and Apni Mandis, ensuring that every part of the city reflected the spirit of Swachhata.
MC Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh emphasized that the Swachh Utsav is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of Safaimitras. He commended the collaboration of all stakeholders, including SHGs, schools, NGOs, and citizens, who contributed to the success of the campaign. He noted that the MCC, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has turned this initiative into a true Jan Andolan, a people’s movement.
The Municipal Corporation advocates for a Zero Waste approach at all its events. The Swachh Bharat Divas was organized in line with these zero waste principles, featuring floral decorations, an LED screen backdrop, glassware, the availability of twin bins, and eco-friendly souvenirs.
*Key Achievements under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign:*
On September 17, the campaign was launched with a Human Chain Formation, which saw the participation of 2,000 Safaimitras and the Swachhata Mascot, Swachh Man, showcasing unity in the drive toward cleanliness.
A total of 15 Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) were identified, and each was thoroughly cleaned by Safaimitras and citizen volunteers, demonstrating the power of community participation.
A Safaimitra Suraksha Shivir was organized, focusing on the well-being of Safaimitras through a cancer screening camp in collaboration with the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Similar camps, including medical checkups, will continue throughout the month to ensure the health and safety of those who work tirelessly for the city.
Sector 14’s Night Food Street was transformed into a Swachh Food Street, adhering to zero-waste parameters, showcasing how public spaces can align with sustainable practices.
The Swachh Cultural Fest celebrated eco-friendly products by SHGs, along with performances like nukkad nataks, waste-to-art exhibitions, and cultural events by Safaimitras’ families, promoting the blend of creativity with sustainability.
*Special Initiatives:*
Under the SHS campaign, a “Cloth Bag Langar” was conducted on October 1 across the city, distributing 5,000 cloth bags made by women from SHGs. This initiative promoted eco-friendly alternatives and empowered women through meaningful work.
Additionally, the MCC is proud to unveil a “Waste-to-Art” installation, “I Love Chandigarh,” made from recycled materials and discarded light frames, symbolizing the importance of turning waste into resources.
As the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign concludes today, MCC’s commitment to cleanliness remains ongoing. Cleanliness is a continuous process, and we must ensure that the efforts of the past fortnight become part of our daily routine. The Safaimitras, SHGs, and citizens of Chandigarh have set a remarkable example, and it is now our duty to continue this legacy for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city.
Let us embody the spirit of Swachhata every day, building a cleaner and more sustainable Chandigarh.
