The Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway on Tuesday launched the fortnight-long ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa – Swachhata Pakhwada’ campaign, which is part of the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission. The campaign will conclude on 2nd October 2024, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas.
The event began with Narendra A Patil, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Vijayawada Division, administering the Swachhata Pledge to officers and staff at the Clock Tower, East Main Entrance, Vijayawada Railway Station. Following the pledge, a large awareness rally promoting cleanliness, featuring placards, was held from the Clock Tower to Gandhi Waiting Hall on Platform 1, passing through the Divisional Office and Jack & Jill High School.
In addition to the rally, the DRM, along with Branch Officers, participated in a tree plantation drive and Shramdaan (voluntary labour) at the South Parcel Office of Vijayawada Railway Station. During the Shramdaan, around 100 bags of debris, solid waste, and garbage were collected as part of a significant clean-up effort.
Speaking to the media, Narendra Patil highlighted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He emphasised that the 2024 ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ campaign will focus on key areas across the Division, with particular attention given to cleaning railway tracks in urban and semi-urban areas, drains, toilets, and other public spaces. He further mentioned that approximately 500 cleanliness target units (CTUs) have been identified for the campaign, including long-neglected garbage points and difficult-to-clean areas.