As a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant addressed Municipal and Panchayat officials, Taluka Nodal Officers, Swayampurna Mitras, and other key government officials regarding the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’ campaign.
The campaign, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, is being implemented across the nation from 17th September to 2nd October 2024, as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and aims to foster large-scale citizen participation and mega cleanliness drives across the state.
Dr. Sawant highlighted the importance of collective action and voluntary participation in achieving complete cleanliness or ‘Sampoorna Swachhata’. He acknowledged the campaign’s focus on clearing dirty and difficult garbage spots, recognizing the hard work of sanitation workers, and celebrating the state’s progress in waste management over the past decade.
This year’s campaign is themed ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’, reflecting the commitment to instill cleanliness as a value and practice in society.
The Chief Minister noted Goa’s achievements under the Swachh Bharat Mission, stating that the state has been at the forefront of waste management efforts. During SBM 1.0, Goa became one of the first states to achieve 100% waste collection in urban areas, with significant investments made in infrastructure like garbage vehicles, baling machines, and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) sheds.
HCM further highlighted that under SBM 2.0, Goa is now focusing on the treatment of segregated waste with multiple projects such as Biomethanation Plants and MRF sheds at Valpoi, Mormugao, and Canacona currently underway. He emphasized that the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, jointly organized by SBM-Grameen and SBM-Urban under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to carry forward the momentum through community participation and innovative initiatives.
During the virtual interaction, Dr. Sawant laid out the key activities under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, which include mega cleanliness drives across urban and rural areas focusing on community assets like water bodies, roads, and garbage dumps; health and welfare camps for Safai Mitras to ensure their well-being and connect them with various welfare schemes; awareness campaigns and competitions in schools and colleges; as well as roadshows and rallies across North and South Goa, and also conversion of black spots into clean spots and enforcing the ban on single-use plastics in markets.
He also mentioned that the state’s Panchayats have undertaken substantial work in solid, liquid, and plastic waste management, with 18,000+ toilets constructed and various projects being executed across 100 panchayats. The efforts in both urban and rural areas showcase Goa’s continued commitment to sustainable waste management practices.
HCM has called on the public to participate in the cleaning of their households, separating various types of waste—including clothing, furniture, and other household waste. The collected waste will be gathered by local Municipalities and Panchayats on a designated day of the week. To curb littering and promote cleanliness, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has announced a stringent measure: individuals caught disposing of waste on roads will face hefty fines. Additionally, he encouraged citizens to be vigilant and report any such incidents.
Dr. Sawant encouraged local Municipalities, Panchayats, and also MLAs to ensure that these cleanliness drives continue beyond 2nd October, making sanitation and cleanliness a year-round mission. He announced that the best Municipal Councils and Safai Karmacharis will be recognized and felicitated for their contributions during the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign on Swachhata Diwas.
This campaign embodies the ‘Whole of Government Approach’, aiming to make ‘Sanitation everyone’s business’. Through Jan Bhagidaari; the involvement of citizens, organizations, and public representatives in the cleanliness drives, together everyone can ensure that we create a ‘Swachh Goem Nital Goem’, a clean and green state.
