Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde announces competition for clean ward, city

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday announced a cleanliness competition to pick up a 'CM Capable Ward' and 'CM Capable City'.

Speaking during a review meeting with state officials over the cleanliness drive in the state, Eknath Shinde said, "I appeal to the people to give one hour on October 1 for cleanliness under the ongoing drive."

"Two competitions will be held in the state till December 15 -- CM Capable Ward and CM Capable City -- to increase awareness among the people," he added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Tuesday, emphasized the need for the Swachhta Abhiyaan (Cleanliness Campaign) to move beyond paperwork and become a practical movement. He urged everyone to dedicate one hour to cleanliness on October 1 under the Swachhta Pandharwad (Swacchta Fortnight) initiative.

CM Shinde, in virtual interaction, also announced that the Chief Minister's Competent City Competition and Chief Minister's Competent Ward Competition would be held until December 15, 2023, and encouraged active participation from the public to ensure their success, a media statement by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated.

The Swachhta Fortnight is a cleanliness drive that aligns with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, and on October 1st, a symbolic one-hour cleanliness campaign will be conducted.

Chief Minister Shinde expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this initiative. He mentioned the launch of the Clean Maharashtra Urban Mission-2 a year ago and the state's commitment to achieving cleanliness and a waste-free environment, the statement added.

Highlighting Maharashtra's rich tradition of cleanliness, Chief Minister Shinde noted the teachings of Saint Gadge Baba, who advocated cleanliness with a broom in hand. He referred to the ongoing Swachhta Fortnight initiated by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which began on September 15 and shall end on October 2, 2023.

Chief Minister Shinde stressed the importance of turning this campaign into a visible reality, with actual fieldwork to address issues such as garbage piles and debris outside municipal limits. He directed Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik to initiate cleanliness campaigns in areas beyond municipal limits.

The 'Cleanliness is service' campaign's essence lies in practical implementation, not just on paper, said CM Shinde and asked the citizens to participate actively on October 1 in their respective cities, villages, wards, and areas, starting at 10 am.

He further instructed involving citizens in identifying areas where cleanliness is neglected, emphasizing the significance and benefits of cleanliness. Additionally, he encouraged organizing Safai Mitra (Cleanliness Friends) safety camps to raise awareness.

(With inputs from PTI)