Special Campaign 2.0: A Stride Towards ‘Swachhta’ By The Ministry Of Mines

New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines has concluded its Special Campaign 2.0, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and cleanliness across its various departments. Running from November 2022 to August 2023, this initiative proved to be a resounding success, with a multitude of achievements, read the Ministry of Mines press release. The campaign, launched in October 2022 by the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, set a noble goal of “giving back to the environment.”

This objective was pursued through several initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, compost pit projects, cleaning of lakes and ponds and adopting eco-friendly waste disposal practices, read the press release.

One of the notable achievements was the implementation of rainwater harvesting structures in buildings owned by the Ministry of Mines. Additionally, sites were designated for Vermi Compost Pit Projects, further contributing to eco-friendly waste management.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, while reviewing the campaign’s progress, suggested waste segregation in departmental canteens, a recommendation that was promptly executed by the Ministry.

Furthermore, similar guidelines were proposed for departmental canteens at Shastri Bhawan, and the Ministry of Education was tasked with issuing these guidelines.

Also Read: 24×7 Availability Of Renewable Energy Necessary For Net-Zero Carbon Emission: Union Minister R K Singh

The Government School of Insurance and Technology Integration (GSITI) in Hyderabad emerged as a role model for waste management practices, read the release. 

The institution initiated waste segregation in its hostel canteen and utilized bio waste for compost production. Additionally, GSITI transformed unused land into an open-air gym, benefiting trainees, employees, and the public.

Perhaps one of the aspects of the campaign was the removal of approximately 2,743 files, which freed up an impressive 34,549 square feet of space, the release said.

This space was not only cleared but also modernized to create a more conducive working environment.

The corridors of the Ministry of Mines were adorned with paintings and potted plants, enhancing the overall aesthetics and serving as venues for significant events such as the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Har Ghar Tiranga campaigns, read the release.

Also Read: National Hydro Electric Power Corporation Signs Mou With Odisha For Solar Energy Projects

Director-level officers were assigned the task of inspecting office spaces and submitting reports, ensuring that cleanliness and eco-friendly practices were upheld consistently across all organisations and public sector undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Mines, read the release.

This Special Campaign 2.0 has left an impact, with a cleaner and more environmentally conscious Ministry of Mines, setting an example for other government departments and organizations to follow.

The Ministry also reported a revenue of Rs 172,130,148 generated from scrap disposal, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of their efforts.

Also Read: India Can Generate 65 GW Energy Annually From Waste, Say Experts

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – theLGBTQ population,indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the currentCOVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water,SanitationandHygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fightmalnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health,adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution,waste management,plastic ban,manual scavengingand sanitation workers andmenstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India wheretoiletsare used andopen defecation free (ODF)status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched byPrime Minister Narendra Modiin 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.