Highlights
- PM Modi highlighted the importance of cleaning up the heritage sites
- PM Modi appreciated the community efforts in cleaning Chandarpur fort
- Prime Minister also spoke on how Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is gaining momentum
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 37th address to the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on October 29, said, “Forts are symbols of heritage and it is the duty of all countrymen to keep them safe and clean.” He also appreciated the transformation of Chandrapur fort in Maharashtra in which a 200-day cleanliness campaign was undertaken where people extended their support in cleaning the fort.
“I received the before and after pictures of Chandrapur fort, on seeing these pictures, anyone’s disappointment will transform into hope. This mammoth effort of cleanliness is a wonderful example,” added PM Modi while urging the people to look after their historical heritage in the same way. Though the government has already planned a major community-driven clean up exercise for 145 spiritual and heritage places across nine states, but, it is important for people to get involved and maintain these heritage sites.
PM Modi also highlighted the fact that India’s biggest cleanliness drive – Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is growing expnentially. He said,
A multitude of people write to me about Swachh Bharat, I feel that if I have to do justice to their feelings then I will have to do the program Mann Ki Baat every day and every day ‘the show will be dedicated solely to the subject of cleanliness.
Speaking about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s target – recently the mission hit the milestone by crossing the 5.17 crore toilets mark, as far sanitation coverage in rural India goes, because of the mission, the sanitation level has increased to 70 per cent from mere 38 per cent in 2014. Since the inception of the mega cleanliness drive, a lot has been achieved, yet, a lot still needs to be covered.
It is estimated that by next year, Abhiyan will hit another crescendo with many major states of India like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand achieving the mammoth task of becoming open defecation free.
