Nitin Gadkari calls for action: publish photos of pan masala spitters in newspapers
He stated “People are very smart. After eating chocolates, they discard the wrapper immediately. However, when they visit foreign countries, they put the chocolate cover in their pocket after eating it.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, during a ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ event in Nagpur, called for a unique approach to tackle the issue of cleanliness. He suggested that photos of people spitting on roads after consuming pan masala should be taken and published in newspapers to raise public awareness. Explaining how these small acts of public littering add up to the overall cleanliness problem, he said people spitting pan masala on the road contributes to the overall cleanliness problem.
Gadkari also pointed out how people are more aware of not littering when they visit abroad. He stated “People are very smart. After eating chocolates, they discard the wrapper immediately. However, when they visit foreign countries, they put the chocolate cover in their pocket after eating it. They behave nicely abroad.” They are well-behaved outside. He underlined the need to retain that practice in India, for the sake of the environment and keeping up the prinples of Mahatma Gandhi.
Turning waste into wealth:
The MP also appealed to the people to focus on the conversion of waste into wealth by promoting initiatives that can transform waste into valuable bioproducts. He pitched for a plastic-free environment and creative solutions to reduce and minimize further waste while underlining the need for sustainability.
As Gadkari linked these efforts to Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness, he called on citizens to rethink their approach to public spaces and take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, both through behavior and innovative waste management solutions.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024, commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, coincided with the 155th Gandhi Jayanti celebration.
Swachh Bharat Diwas showcased India’s major sanitation achievements over the past decade and celebrated the success of the recent Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. This year’s theme, ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,’ highlighted the importance of cleanliness and environmental care. Launched by PM Modi on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan comprised two main initiatives: Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
Key accomplishments of the Swachh Bharat mission:
- Health Improvements: WHO reported 300,000 fewer diarrhoea-related deaths in 2019 compared to 2014, alongside reductions in malaria and low birth weights.
- Toilet Access: Over 10 million toilets built for 50 million people in 630,000 rural villages, many declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).
- Women’s Safety: 93% of women feel safer with home toilets, according to UNICEF.
- Economic Savings: Households in ODF villages save an average of Rs 50,000 annually on health-related costs.
- Groundwater Protection: ODF villages have a 12.7 times lower risk of groundwater contamination from waste.
- Iconic Places: The initiative has gained support for cleanliness at major Indian landmarks.National Recognition: Cities earn ‘Swachh Cities’ titles for their sanitation efforts.
PM Modi received the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for progress made under the mission.
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