The Ministry of Railways launched Swachhata Pakhwada 2023, with Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO, Railway Board, administering the Swachhata Pledge . The pledge emphasized a commitment to cleanliness, dedicating a hundred hours yearly, and spreading the Swachh Bharat Mission message.
The observance will run from September 16 to September 30, extended to October 2 in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s Jayanti. This year, the joint ‘Swachhata hi Sewa’ Campaign by the Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs and Jal Shakti (from September 15 to October 2) is integrated with Indian Railways’ Swachhata Pakhwada.
Dedicated days for activities like Swachh Railgadi, Swachh Station, Swachh Aahar, and Swachh Tracks are planned. Extensive awareness campaigns through digital media and public announcements will promote the use of bio-toilets, reduction of single-use plastics, and cleanliness habits.
Swachhata Pakhwada Awards have been provided to ministries by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognize exemplary performance during the fortnight. Last year’s awards were given to South Western Railway (1st), Western Railway (2nd), and North Eastern Railway (3rd). Indian Railways is committed to environmental sustainability through initiatives like bio toilets, waste segregation, solid waste management, and reducing single-use plastics.