Surat's Vigilance Yields Major Success for Prime Minister's Clean India Campaign
Surat, Gujarat: Once considered one of India's dirtiest cities, Surat has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the wake of a devastating plague outbreak in 1994, Surat's citizens demonstrated exceptional awareness and commitment to cleanliness. Their efforts have turned the city into a model of hygiene and transparency, making it a beacon of cleanliness.
In the past, Surat’s streets were so filthy that people used to cover their noses with cloths. Today, however, the city's streets are regularly washed, and the once-polluted areas have become venues for community gatherings and celebrations. This dedication to cleanliness has become a lasting tradition, with the city maintaining its standards through vigilant waste management and cleanliness efforts.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's launch of the Clean India Mission in 2014, Surat's residents embraced the initiative with enthusiasm. Their active participation has led to significant recognition: Surat won the top prize of ₹1.5 crore in the National Clean Air Survey for being the cleanest city in India. This achievement marks another historical milestone in the city’s environmental efforts.
The award was presented to Surat's Mayor Dakshesh Mavani and Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal by Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma at a recent event in Jaipur. Surat's achievement is celebrated as a result of the continued efforts under the Clean India Mission and guidance from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Water Resources C.R. Patil.
Surat Municipal Corporation has undertaken numerous commendable initiatives, including solid waste management, dust control on roads, scientific disposal of construction waste, vehicle emission control, reduction of industrial emissions, public awareness campaigns, and improvements in air quality. The combined efforts of MPs, legislators, municipal officials, and the entire Surat community have been instrumental in this success.
Mayor Dakshesh Mavani congratulated the residents, stating, "This award is a moment of pride for all Surat citizens. We are committed to making Surat a world-class city." Both Mayor Mavani and Municipal Commissioner Agarwal dedicated the achievement to the city's residents, acknowledging that it would not have been possible without their support.
This success story offers a valuable lesson for other cities across the country. While cities like Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Dungarpur in southern Rajasthan have set high standards for cleanliness, many capitals, including New Delhi, still lag behind. The Clean India Mission's success is not solely dependent on local administration but also on the active participation of citizens. Until there is a nationwide shift in attitude, the vision of a cleaner India remains incomplete.
A pressing question remains: Will the Indian government and state administrations enforce strict laws and penalties against those undermining the Clean India Mission, ensuring that the campaign’s integrity is upheld?
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