The Prime Minister of India has called upon the people to take responsibility for a cleaner India and commit to replacing plastic bags with cloth ones. In the 98th episode of his Mann Ki Baat program on All India Radio, he highlighted how the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has revolutionized public participation in the country.
The Prime Minister cited the inspiring story of the youth in Dulhedi, a village in Haryana, who formed the Yuva Swachhta Evam Janseva Samiti organization to make Bhiwani city a role model for cleanliness.
He expressed satisfaction that these young people have removed tons of garbage from various parts of the city through their early morning cleanliness drives. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan also promotes “Waste to Wealth,” and gave the example of Kamala Moharana from Kendrapada district in Odisha, who runs a self-help group where women make baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packaging materials. This initiative not only ensures cleanliness but also provides a good source of income for them.
Here are some ways one can borrow ideas from the above:
1. Contribute towards a cleaner environment: The Prime Minister of India has urged the people to contribute towards a Clean India by replacing plastic bags with cloth ones. One can borrow this idea by making small changes in their daily routine to reduce waste and promote sustainability. For instance, instead of using disposable plastic water bottles, one can carry a reusable water bottle. Additionally, instead of using plastic bags for grocery shopping, one can use reusable cloth bags. These small changes can have a significant impact on the environment.
2. Participate in community-led cleanliness campaigns: The youth of Dulhedi village in Haryana formed an organization named Yuva Swachhta Evam Janseva Samiti to make Bhiwani city an exemplary model of cleanliness. One can borrow this idea by participating in similar community-led cleanliness campaigns in their local area. For instance, one can organize or participate in a neighborhood cleanup drive or take part in beach cleanups organized by NGOs like the Ocean Conservancy.
3. Promote “Waste to Wealth”: The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of promoting “Waste to Wealth” initiatives as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. One can borrow this idea by finding creative ways to reuse or repurpose waste materials. For instance, one can make compost from kitchen waste, or create DIY home decor items from discarded materials. An excellent example of this is the self-help group run by Kamala Moharana from Kendrapada district in Odisha, where women make baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packaging materials.
Overall, these ideas promote sustainable practices, community participation, and creative solutions to address environmental challenges. By implementing these ideas, individuals can contribute towards a cleaner and greener future.